REESE  LIBRARY 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA. 


Class 


CLYDE  FITCH 


NATHAN  HALE 


A    PLAY    IN    FOUR.    ACTS 


WALTER    H.   BAKER   6   Co.,   BOSTON 


Na  than    Ha  le 


NAT.  C.  GOODWIN  AS  NATHAN  HALE 


NATHAN    HALE 

H  play 

In  Four  Acts 

By 

Clyde    Fitch 


WALTER  H.  BAKER  &  CO.,  Boston,  MCMY. 


Characters. 


Nathan  Hale  (Yale,  1773). 
Guy  Fitzroy. 
Lieut.  Col.  Knowlton. 
Capt.  Adams. 
Cunningham. 
Ebenezer  Lebanon. 
Tom  Adams. 
William  Hull  (Yale,  1773). 
The  Jefferson  Boy. 
The  Talbot  Boy. 
Jasper. 
Sentinel. 
Three  Soldiers. 
Alice  Adams. 
Mistress  Knowlton. 
Angelica  Knowlton. 
The  Widow  Chichester. 
Schoolboys,  schoolgirls,  soldiers,  townsmen  and  townswomen. 


This  play  is  fully  protected  by  the  copyright  law,  all  requirements 
of  which  have  been  complied  with.  In  its  present  printed  form  it  is 
dedicated  to  the  reading  public  only,  and  no  performace  of  it  may  be 
given,  except  by  special  arrangement  with  the  owner  of  the  acting 
rights,  who  may  be  addresssd  in  care  of  the  publisher. 


Copyright,  1899,  by  Robert  Howard  T^ussell 


To 

Nat    C.  Goodwin 

and 

Marine    Elliott 

in  Grateful  Remembrance  of 
as  happy  a  "First  Night"  as  ever  was! 

C.  F.,  1899 


165536 


Nathan    Hale 


Act    First 

April,  1775 
The  Union  Grammar  Schoolhouse  in  New  London,  Connecticut. 

Act    Secon  d 

September,,  1776 
At  Colonel  Knowlton's  House,  Harlem  Heights. 

Act    Third 

September,  1776 

'The  First  Scene:  The  Tavern  of  the  Widow  Chichester,  Long 

Island. 

The  Second  Scene:  Outside  the  Tavern,  early  the  next  morning. 

Act    Fourth 

The  Next  Night 
The  First  Scene:  The  Tent  of  a  British  Officer. 

The  Second  Scene:   The  Orchard  on  Colonel  Rutger's  Farm 
(now  Pike  and  Monroe  Streets,   New  York). 


Act      the      First 


MAXINE  ELLIOTT  AS  ALICE  ADAMS 


ActrtK  First 


i 


Union  Grammar  Schoolhouse,  New  London,  Con 
necticut,  in  1775.  ^  *s  a  s^mp^e  room  with  a  door  on  the 
left  side.  At  the  back  are  two  smallish  windows  through 
which  are  seen  trees  and  the  blue  sky ;  between  them  is  a 
big  blackboard.  At  the  right  of  the  room  is  a  small,  slightly  raised 
-platform  on  which  is  the  teacher's  desk;  on  the  latter  are  papers,  quill 
pens,  an  old  ink-well,pamphlets,  and  books.  A  large  globe  of  the  world 
stands  beside  the  platform.  On  the  wall  behind  hangs  a  "  birch."  In 
front  of  the  platform,  and  to  one  side,  is  a  three-legged  dunce's  stool, 
unoccupied  for  the  present.  'Two  long,  low  benches  for  the  classes  are 
placed  beneath  the  blackboard,  and  the  desks  and  benches  for  the  schol 
ars  are  placed  on  the  left,  facing  the  teacher  s platform.  It  is  toward 
noon  of  a  sunny  day,  and  the  music  of  "  Yankee  Doodle  "  is  in  the 
air.  As  the  curtain  rises  a  very  badly  drawn,  absurd  piclure  is  seen 
on  the  blackboard,  representing  the  boys  on  the  ice  pond  of  Boston  Com 
mon,  with  their  thumbs  to  their  noses,  driving  away  the  British 
army  !  Alice  Adams  is  by  the  blackboard  finishing  this  drawing. 
M.iss  Adams  is  one  of  the  older  pupils,  somewhat  of  a  hoyden,  already 
a  little  of  a  woman,  lovely  to  look  upon,  and  altogether  a  charming,  natu 
ral  girl  full  of  high  spirits.  All  the  scholars  are  half  out  of  their 
places  and  they  are  laughing,  shouting,  talking,  and  gesticulating. 
Above  the  din,  a  Boy's  voice  is  heard. 

TALBOT  BOY. 

IN  warning^}  Quick,  Alice  !  Teacher  ! 
There  is  a  wild  scramble  for  their  places,  and  just  as  Lebanon 
enters  sudden  silence  reigns.  All  pretend  to  be  absorbed  in  their  books, 
but  keep  one  eye  on  Lebanon  and  the  blackboard,  till  he, following  their 
glances,  discovers  the  drawing. 

c  i  ] 


N  a  than    Ha  I  e 


LEBANON. 

[A  prim  and  youthful  assistant  teacher,  with  a  pompous  manner,  in 
tended  to  deceive  his  pupils  J]  Who  drew  that  picture  ?  [There  is 
silence.]  Who  drew  this  picture?  [No  one  replies,  and  only  a  few 
suppressed  giggles  are  heard.']  I  will  keep  you  all  after  hours  till 
the  boy  confesses. 

ALICE. 

[Interrupts  mischievously. ~]  Perhaps  it  was  a^zW,  sir.  [The  children 
giggle  and  snicker.'} 

o    oo  J 

LEBANON. 

No  interruptions  !  I  will  keep  you  all  in  till  the  boy  confesses. 
[Lebanon  looks  about  expectantly ;  nobody  speaks.']  I  am  in  earnest. 

TALBOT  BOY. 

It  wasn't  a  boy,  it  was  Alice  Adams.  [The  scholars  hiss  and  cry 
"  Shame  !  Shame  !  "] 

LEBANON. 
Miss  Alice  Adams,  stand  up.  [Alice  rises. ~]  Is  that  true  ? 

ALICE. 
[Biting  her  lips  to  keep  from  laughing.]  Yes,  sir. 

LEBANON. 

[To  Alice.]  Sit  down.  [She  does  so,  very  leisurely.  —  To  the  Boy.] 
Well,  Master  Talbot,  you  deserve  to  be  punished  more  than 
Miss  Adams,  for  telling  on  a  fellow  pupil,  and  on  a  girl,  too.  I 
shall  report  you  both  to  Mr.  Hale. 

TOM  ADAMS  (^Alice's  younger  brother). 

Please  tell  him  I  did  it,  sir,  instead  of  my  sister.  Mr.  Hale's 
always  punishing  Alice. 

ALICE. 

No,  Mr.  Lebanon,  that  wouldn't  be  fair, sir.  Besides,  I  want  Mr. 
Hale  to  know  how  well  I  can  draw.  [Smiling  mischievously.  All 
the  scholars  laugh.] 

LEBANON. 

[Raps  on  the  table -.]  Silence!  That  is  enough.  We  will  now  begin 
the  session  in  the  usual  manner  by  singing"  God  Save  the  King." 


Act    First 


[A  knock  on  the  door.  All  the  scholars  are  excited  and  curious '.]  Mas 
ter  Adams,  please  open  the  door.  [Tom  goes  to  the  door  and  opens  it; 
all  the  children  looking  over  the  tops  of  their  books  curiously^  Every 
body's  eyes  on  their  books.  [Each  one  holds  his  book  up  before  his 
face  between  him  or  her  and  Lebanon.] 

Mrs.  Knowlton  and  Angelica  enter.  Mrs.  Knowlton  is  a  hand 
some,  but  rather  voluble  and  nervous  lady,  an  undeterminated  trifle 
past  middle  age.  Her  daughter,  Angelica,  is  a  pretty,  quaint  little 
creature,  with  a  sentimental  bearing ;  she  is  dressed  in  the  top  of  the 
fashion.  Lebanon  rises  and  Tom  returns  to  his  place. 

ALICE. 

[Half  rising  in  surprise,  and  sitting  again  immediately.^  Well !  An 
gelica  Knowlton  !  What  are  you  doing  here  ? 

LEBANON. 

[Raps  on  his  desk  with  his  ruler. ,]  Miss  Adams  !  [Angelica  throws 
Alice  a  kissJ] 

MRS.   KNOWLTON. 
Is  this  Mr.  Hale? 

[Alice  gives  a  little  explosion  of  laughter,  which  is  at  once  followed 
by  giggles  from  all  the  children.  Lebanon  raps  again  sharply. ,] 

LEBANON. 

No,  madam,  I  am  Mr.  Lebanon,  Mr.  Hale's  assistant. 
[Alice  coughs  very  importantly .] 

MRS.   KNOWLTON. 

I  wrote  Mr.  Hale  I  would  visit  his  schoolhouse  to-day  with  my 
daughter,  Angelica,  to  arrange  for  her  becoming  a  pupil.  [Bring 
ing  Angelica,  slightly  forward  with  one  hand;  Angelica  is  embar 
rassed,  and  plays  nervously  with  her  parasol. ~]  Her  cousin,  Miss 
Adams,  is  already  a  scholar,  and  it  will  be  well  for  the  girls  to  be 
together.  Angelica,  dear,  stop  riddling  with  your  parasol,  you 
make  my  nerves  quite  jumpy  ! 

LEBANON. 

Mr.  Hale  will  be  here  in  one  moment,  madam.  Won't  you  be 
seated,  meanwhile  ? 

[3  ] 


N a  than    Ha  le 


MRS.   KNOWLTON. 

Thank  you,  yes.  Be  careful  of  your  dress,  when  you  sit,  Angel 
ica — don't  make  anymore  creases  than  are  absolutely  necessary. 
[They  sit  carefully  in  chairs  placed  for  them  by  Lebanon  beside  the 
desk.-] 

LEBANON. 

Your  daughter  is  a  most  intelligent  appearing  young  lady, 
madam.  I  look  forward  with  pleasure  to  instructing  her. 

MRS.   KNOWLTON. 

Thank  you,  sir,  but  it's  only  fair  to  tell  you  her  appearances  are 
deceitful.  She  is  painfully  backward  in  everything  but  spelling, 
and  her  spelling's  a  disgrace  to  the  family.  Angelica,  dear,  untie 
your  bonnet  strings;  you'll  get  a  double  chin  in  no  time  if  you're 
not  more  careful ! 
[Alice  Adams  lifts  her  hand.~] 

LEBANON. 
What  is  it,  Miss  Adams  ? 

ALICE. 

Please  may  I  go  and  kiss  my  aunt  and  cousin  how  d'  you  do  ? 
[The  scholars  giggle  softly. ,] 

MRS.   KNOWLTON. 
That  will  not  be  at  all  necessary,  Mr.  Lebanon. 

LEBANON. 

You  must  wait  until  recess,  Miss  Adams.  Now,  attention, please ! 
[The  scholars  all  shut  their  books,  which  they  have  made  a  pretence 
of  studying,  and  rise  without  noise. ,] 

MRS.   KNOWLTON. 
[To  Angelica.]  Do  you  like  this  teacher,  my  darling  ? 

ANGELICA. 
I  think  he  is  beautiful,  mother. 

MRS.   KNOWLTON. 

Well,  that  is  scarcely  the  adjective  I  should  use  ;  harmless  would 
be  better  I  think.  Cross  your  feet,  my  dear,  it  looks  much  more 
ladylike. 

[4] 


Act    First 


LEBANON. 

^\  Ready !  \_He  strikes  a  tuning  fork  on  the  desk,  motions  three 
times  with  his  finger,  and  at  the  third  stroke  all  begin  to  sing  "  God 
Save  the  King"  Mrs.  Knowlton  and  Angelica  rise  and  sing.  All 
sing  except  Tom  Adams.  After  the  first  line,  Lebanon  stops  them.'] 
Stop  !  Thomas  Adams  is  not  singing.  Now,  everyone,  mind,  and 
Thomas,  if  you  don't  sing,  it  will  be  five  raps  on  the  knuckles. 
\_Allsing  exceptTom,  two  lines ;  Lebanon  again  stops  them^\  Thomas 
Adams, come  forward\\_Tomcomesslowtyforward.~\I  am  ashamed 
of  you,  being  disobedient  in  this  manner,  before  your  esteemed 
relative,  too.  What  do  you  mean,  sir? 

TOM. 
I  won't  sing  "  God  Save  the  King." 

LEBANON. 
And  why  not  ? 

TOM. 

Because  I  hate  him  and  his  red  coats.  Hip  !  Hip  !  I  say,  for  the 
Boston  Indians,  and  Hooray  for  their  tea-party  !  [fhm  is  a  low 
suppressed  murmur  of  approval  from  the  scholars,  and  a  loud  "  Oh !" 
of  astonishment  from  Angelica.] 

LEBANON. 

We  '11  see  if  we  can't  make  you  sing.  Hold  out  your  hand.  [Tom 
holds  out  his  hand,  and  Lebanon  takes  up  his  ruler. ,] 

ANGELICA. 

Oh  —  [She  cries  out  and  rises  involuntarily^  Oh,  please,  Mr. 
Teacher  — 

LEBANON. 

[After  a  moment's  hesitation^  I  cannot  be  deaf  to  the  voice  of 
beauty.  [Bowing  to  Angelica,  he  lays  down  the  ruler. ~] 

MRS.   KNOWLTON. 
Child,  compose  your  nerves ;  watch  your  mother ! 

TOM. 

Oh,  you  can  whack  me  if  you  want.  But  when  Mr.  Hale's  here, 
he  don't  punish  me  for  not  singing. 

r  <  i 


N a  than    Ha  I e 


LEBANON. 
He  doesn't? How's  that? 

TOM. 
No,  sir.  He  said  he  didn't  blame  me ! 

LEBANON. 
Mr.  Hale  said  that? 

TOM. 

Yes,  sir,  and  he  said  he  had  half  a  mind  not  to  sing  it  himself 
any  longer. 

LEBANON. 

That's  treason  !  We  '11  see  about  that  when  Mr.  Hale  arrives. 
[Tom  goes  back  to  his  seatJ] 

MRS.   KNOWLTON. 

Does  Mr.  Hale  never  come  to  the  schoolhouse  till  toward 
noon? — Angelica!  [She  motions  aside  to  Angelica  to  full  down  her 
skirts,  —  that  her  ankles  are  showing^ 

LEBANON. 

No,  madam.  Only  there  was  a  rumor  to-day  that  there  had  been 
bloodshed  between  the  British  and  Americans  at  Concord,  and 
Mr.  Hale  is  at  the  Post  waiting  for  news. 

THE  TALBOT  BOY. 

[With  his  eyes  turned  toward  one  of  the  windows^  Please,  sir,  here 
comes  Mr.  Hale  now. 

LEBANON. 

Very  well.  You  will  all  please  begin  again  and  sing,  whether  Mas 
ter  Adams  sings  or  not. 

TOM. 

\_Who  has  been  straining  to  see  out.']  Mr.  Hale  is  out  of  breath,  and 
he  's  wondrous  excited  ! 

[Lebanon  raps  for  them  to  sing,  and  strikes  tuning  fork.  'The  chil 
dren  sing — all  except  Tom  —  through  three  lines,  when  Hale  en 
ters,  excite  A, 

HALE. 
[Lifting  his  handJ]  Stop  that  singing !  [The  children  stop.~] 

[6] 


Act    First 


LEBANON. 
Why  is  that,  Mr.  Hale? 

HALE. 
I  won't  have  my  school  sing  any  more  anthems  to  that  tyrant ! 

LEBANON. 

We  will  be  punished  for  treason.  Will  you  kindly  notice  the 
drawing  on  the  board  ? 

HALE. 
Hello  !  Hello  !  [Laughing.]  What  is  it  ? 

THE  JEFFERSON   BOY. 

It's  our  boys,  sir,  in  Boston,  driving  the  red  coats  off  the  Com 
mon. 

LEBANON. 
I  have  left  the  punishment  for  you  to  fix  on,  sir. 

HALE. 

Punishment !  Punishment !  Not  a  bit  of  it !  Give  the  boy  who  did 
it  a  prize.  Listen  to  me,  boys  and  girls  —  how  many  of  you  are 
Whigs?  Say  "Aye."  [All  but  theT^Qt^Qj  raise  their  right  hands 
and  shout  "  Aye  !  "  ]  Who's  a  Tory  ? 

TALBOT  BOY. 

Aye  !  [Raising  his  right  hand,  but  he  takes  it  down  quickly  as  all 
the  others  hiss  him.~\ 

HALE. 

I  make  all  the  boys  here  "  Sons  of  Liberty"*  And  all  the  girls 
too  !  Listen  to  me,  boys  and  girls  !  Two  days  ago,  eight  hundred 
Britishers  left  Boston  for  Concord  to  capture  our  military  stores 
there  !  — 

ALL  THE  SCHOLARS. 
Boo  !  [Groans] 

HALE. 

But  the  Yankees  were  too  smart  for  them  !  I  want  you  to  give 
three  cheers  for  Paul  Revere,  —  Ready  ! 

* A  famous  club  of  the  day. 

[7  J 


N  a  than    Ha  I  e 


ALL. 
Hip,  hip,  hip,  hooray  ! 

TOM. 

[Excitedly. ~\  What  did  he  do,  sir  ? 

HALE. 

He  rode  like  mad  to  Lexington  and  warned  the  people  there, 
and  all  the  farmers  on  the  way,  and  other  men  rode  in  other  di 
rections,  and  when  the  Britishers  came  back  to  Lexington  from 
Concord —  [Stops  for  breathJ} 

ALL  THE  SCHOOL. 
[Excited,  and  rising  in  disorder  I\  Yes  —  yes — 

HALE. 

[Continues  in  crescendo.'}  They  found  Minute  Men  by  every  fence, 
inside  each  house,  behind  every  rock  and  tree!  and  the  Americans 
chased  those  Regulars  clean  back  to  Boston,  —  at  least  what  was 
left  of  them,  for  the  British  lost  two  hundred  and  seventy-three 
men,  and  we  only  eighty-eight !  [The  whole  school  breaks  loose  in 
shouting,  —  whistles,  catcalls,  cries,  applause,  jumping  up  on  their 
chairs  and  desks, etc.  Lebanon  tries  in  vain  to  quell  the  tumult;  finally 
Hale  comes  to  his  rescue  and  silences  the  scholars;  he  turns  to  Lebanon 
questioningly  J} 

LEBANON. 

Excuse  me,  Mr.  Hale,  there  are  visitors  present;  Mrs.  Knowlton, 
the  lady  who  wrote  you  yesterday. 

HALE. 

Madam.  [Bows.'} 

MRS.   KNOWLTON. 

[Who  has  risen, cur  tseys.~}  Sir !  Angelica,  rise  and  curtsey.  [TtfHale.] 
My  daughter,  of  whom  I  wrote  you,  sir.  [Hale  bows  and  Angelica 
curtsey s.~\  Angelica  —  what  a  curtsey  !  Who  'd  ever  think  you  'd 
been  taught  all  the  fashionable  attainments  at  a  guinea  a  quarter? 

HALE. 

I  'm  afraid  you  find  us  rather  upside  down  this  morning,  madam. 
But  I  assure  you  it 's  nothing  compared  to  what 's  going  on  in 

[8] 


Act    First 


Boston,  where  the  public  schools  were  closed  several  days  last 
week. 

MRS.   KNOWLTON. 

So  I  heard,  sir,  which  was  one  of  my  reasons  for  selecting  New 
London.  Sit  down,  Angelica.  [Angelica  sits.] 

HALE. 

Excuse  me  one  moment,  madam.  [70  Lebanon.]  Take  Miss  — 

ANGELICA. 
Angelica,  sir. 

HALE. 
Miss  Angelica  to  one  side,  and  inquire  about  her  studies. 

LEBANON. 
This  way,  Miss.  [They  go  beside  the  window  up  the  stage.'] 

HALE. 

Miss  Alice  Adams,  please  come  forward.  [Alice  rises  and  comes 
to  Hale  in  front  of  desk;  she  assumes  an  air  of  innocence,  but  with 
a  mischievous  and  conscious  twinkle  in  her  eye  when  she  looks  at 
Hale.]  I  twill  be  a  great  pleasure  for  you,  I  am  sure,  to  have  your 
cousin  with  you. 

ALICE. 

[Sweetly  and  conventionally]  Yes,  Mr.  Hale.  [She  looks  into  his 
face,  and  deliberately  winks  mischievously  at  him,  biting  back  a 
smile."] 

HALE. 

[Coming  nearer  her  and  whispers.']  Can  I  keep  you  in  at  recess  : 
Have  you  done  something  I  may  punish  you  for? 

ALICE. 

Yes,  sir.  /  drew  the  picture. 

HALE. 
[Delighted.]  Good! 

ALICE. 
But  I  'm  afraid  you  Ve  spoiled  it  all  by  not  disapproving. 

HALE. 
Not  a  bit  of  it!  As  you  'vedone  it,  I  '11  disapprove  mightily !  [Smiles 

[9] 


Nathan    Hale 


lovingly  at  her,  and  adds,  as  he  goes  back  to  his  desk^\  Very  well  — 
that  is  all.  Miss  Adams.  I  will  give  you  an  opportunity  to  talk 
with  your  aunt  and  cousin  during  recess. 

ALICE. 

[About  to  go,  turns  back  disappointedly,  and  speaks  to  him  aside.~\ 
What —  are  n't  you  going  to  punish  me  ? 

HALE. 

\_Aside  to  her.'}  Certainly,  that  is  only  to  blind  the  others.  You 
know  I'm  obliged  to  change  my  mind  rather  suddenly  about 
this  picture.  [Alice  goes  back  to  her  seafJ]  Mr.  Lebanon  !  [Le 
banon  joins  Hale  and  they  talk  together  aside, .] 

ANGELICA. 

[Joining  her  mother •.]  Oh,  mother,  he  is  really  beautiful !  He 
says  I  know  a  great  deal.  [She  stands  by  her  mother,  with  one  arm 
about  Mrs.  Knowlton.] 

MRS.   KNOWLTON. 

Humph !  He  must  be  a  fool.  One  of  your  mitts  is  off,  child !  Why 
is  that  ? 

ANGELICA. 
[Drawing  her  hand  away7\  He  wanted  to  kiss  my  hand. 

MRS.   KNOWLTON. 

Put  on  your  mitt,  this  minute  —  and  remember  this,  my  dear: 
you  are  not  here  to  learn  coquetry,  but  arithmetic, — the  French 
language  if  you  like,  but  not  French  manners! 

HALE. 

In  honor  of  the  day,  we  will  omit  the  first  recitation,  and  recess 
will  begin  at  once.  \_A  general  movement  and  suppressed  murmur 
of  pleasure  from  all  the  scholars."}  One  moment,  however;  on  se 
cond  thoughts,  I  have  decided  this  picture — ahem — is,  after  all, 
very  reprehensible.  The  perpetrator  must  suffer.  Who  is  the  cul 
prit — she — he — [Corre  fling  himself  quickly^must  be  punished. 

TOM. 

[Before  any  one  else  can  speak,  rises.~\  I  did  it,  sir. 

[  10] 


Act    First 


ALICE. 
[_Rising.~\  No,  sir,  it  was  I  ! 

HALE. 

Miss  Adams,  I  am  surprised!  And  deeply  as  it  pains  me,  I  must 
keep  you  in  during  recess. 

TOM. 
It's  a  shame  !  [Turns  to  school.~\  He  's  always  doing  it ! 

HALE. 

Silence,  Master  Adams  !  Ten  minutes'  recess.  [All  the  scholars 
rise,  get  their  hats  and  caps  from  pegs  on  the  wall,  and  go  out  talk 
ing  and  laughing  gaily ,  except  Tom,  who  goes  out  slowly,  angry ;  and 
Alice,  who  remains  behind.~\ 

MRS.   KNOWLTON. 

[T0  Angelica,  as  the  scholars  are  leaving, ,]  I  think  he  is  rather  strict 
with  your  cousin.  You  '11  have  to  mind  your  P's  and  Q's,  my 
dear. 

ANGELICA. 
I  don't  like  him  one-half  as  much  as  Mr.  Lebanon. 

MRS.   KNOWLTON. 

[Snapping  her  fingers  on  Angelica's  shoulder, ,]  Tut,  my  bird! 
Enough  of  that  person. 

HALE. 

[Rising  and  turning  to  Mrs.  Knowlton.]  Madam,  if  you  will  allow 
Mr.  Lebanon,  he  will  escort  you  and  your  daughter  about  the 
play-grounds. 

MRS.   KNOWLTON. 

[Rising^  Thank  you  !  Can  my  daughter  remain  to-day,  sir  r 
Angelica,  straighten  your  fichu  strings.  You  do  give  me  the 
fidgets  ! 

HALE. 

Certainly,  madam.  Mr.  Lebanon  —  [Lebanon  offers  his  arm  to 
Mrs.  Knowlton,  who  takes  it  after  a  curtsey  to  Mr.  Hale.] 

MRS.   KNOWLTON. 
Come,  Angelica,  and  don't  drop  your  mantilla  !  [Angelica,  after 


Nathan    Hale 


a  curtsey,  takes  Mrs.  Knowl ton's  hand  and  they  go  out  —  all  three. 
Hale  and  Alice  watch  them  closely  till  they  are  off  and  the  door  closes 
behind  them,  then  both  give  a  sigh  of  relief,  and  smile,  Alice  rising 
and  Hale  going  to  her.'] 

HALE. 

[Very  happy. ~]  Well  ?  ['Takes  her  two  hands  in  hisJ] 

ALICE. 

[Also  very  happy. ,]  Well  ?  [Hale  sits  on  desk  before  her,  Alice  back 
in  her  seat.] 

HALE. 

I  'm  afraid  your  brother  is  becoming  unruly.  I  '11  not  be  able  to 
keep  you  in  at  recess  much  longer.  You  see  you  're  not  half  bad 
enough.  [Smiling.']  I  ought  not  to  punish  you,  and  all  the  scho 
lars  will  soon  be  perceiving  that. 

ALICE. 

I  try  my  best  to  think  of  something  really  bad  to  do,  but  my 
very  wickedest  things  are  always  failures,  and  turn  out  so  namby- 
pamby  and  half-way  good,  —  I'm  ashamed. 

HALE. 

[Impulsive  ly.~]  You  darling ! 

ALICE. 

[Laughing;  delighted,  but  drawing  back  in  mock  fear,  and  holding 
her  arithmetic  open  between  them.]  Mr.  Hale ! 

HALE. 

[Seriously,  passionately ',  taking  the  book  from  her  unconsciously  and 
throwing  it  aside.']  Alice,  did  a  young  man  ever  tell  you  that  he 
loved  you  ? 

ALICE. 

Yes,  sir, — [taking  up  her  geography. .]  several  have.  [Looking  down 
into  the  bookJ] 

HALE. 
What! 

[    "I 


Act    First 


ALICE. 

[Looks  up  at  him  coyly,  then  down  again  into  her  book.^\  And  one 
of  them  three  times. 

HALE. 

[Closing  the  book  in  her  hands  and  holding  it  closed  so  she  will  look  at 
himJ]  I  '11  keep  you  in  three  recesses  in  succession  —  one  for  each 
time. 

ALICE. 

[Looks  straight  into  his  eyesJ]  Then  I  wish  he  'd  asked  me  twice 
as  often. 

HALE. 
Alice  ! 

ALICE. 

It  was  my  cousin  Fitzroy  !  He  says  he  will  persist  till  he  wins, 
and  mother  says  he  will. 

HALE. 
And  you  —  do  you  like  this  cousin  Fitzroy  ? 

ALICE. 
If  I  say  I  like  him,  will  you  keep  me  in  another  recess? 

HALE. 

[Moodily. ,]  I  '11  keep  you  in  a  dozen. 

ALICE. 
Then  I  love  him! 

HALE. 

[Forgetting  everything  but  her  words,  and  leaving  herJ]  Alice  — 
Alice  —  go,  join  the  others.  I  '11  never  keep  you  in  again. 

ALICE. 

No  —  no  —  you  must!  [She  throws  away  the  geography. ~]  You 
promised  if  I  would  say  I  liked  my  cousin  Fitzroy,  you  'd  keep 
me  in  a  dozen  recesses.  [Hale  goes  back  to  her.~]  It  isn't  treating 
me  fair. 

HALE. 

Do  you  know  what  I  wish  ?  I  wish  life  were  one  long  recess  and 
I  could  keep  you  in  with  me  forever. 

[  13  ] 


N a  than    Ha  I e 


ALICE. 

[Shyly  looking  down,  speaks  softly,  naively. ]  Well  —  why  —  don't 
—  you  —  sir  ? 

HALE. 
[Eagerly,  delighted.]  May  I  ? 

ALICE. 
As  if  you  didn't  know  you  could.  Only  there  is  one  thing  — 

HALE. 

[Tenderly.]  What  is  it? 

ALICE. 

When  we're  married,  I  think  it 's  only  fair  that  /should  turn  the 
tables,  and  sometimes  keep  you  in  ! 

HALE. 

Agreed  !  I  '11  tell  you  what  — 

ALICE. 
[Interrupting]  Oh  !  I  have  an  idea. 

HALE. 

So  have  I.  ...  I  wonder  if  they're  not  the  same? 

ALICE. 
I'll  try  again  to  do  something  really  naughty ! 

HALE. 

And  I  will  keep  you  after  school. 

ALICE. 
[Rises.]  My  idea  —  and  then  you  will  walk  home  with  me  — 

HALE. 

My  idea,  too  !  And  I  will  ask  your  father  to-day  ! 

ALICE. 

[With  a  half-mocking  curtsey]  And  if  he  won't  give  me  to  you, 
you  will  kindly  take  me  all  the  same,  sir. 

[The  school-bell  rings  outside] 

HALE. 
Here  come  the  scholars  !  You  love  me,  Alice  ? 

C  H] 


Act    First 


ALICE. 
.Yes. 

fi  HALE. 

Half  as  much  as  I  love  you  ? 

ALICE. 

No,  twice  as  much  ! 

HALE. 

That  couldn't  be.  My  love  for  you  is  full  of  all  the  flowers  that 
ever  bloomed  !  of  all  the  songs  the  birds  have  ever  sung !  of 
all  the  kisses  the  stars  have  given  the  sky  since  night  was  made. 
[He  kisses  her.~] 

'The  door  opens  and  the  scholars  enter.  Hale^J  quickly  to  his  desk. 
Alice  buries  her  face  in  a  book.  Angelica  and  Lebanon  enter  to 
gether,  after  the  scholars. 

LEBANON. 

Mr.  Hale,  I  think  I  had  best  point  out  to  Miss  Knowlton  what 
her  lessons  will  be, — and  shall  she  sit  next  to  Miss  Adams,  sir  ? 

HALE. 

Yes.  And  the  first  class  in  grammar  will  now  come  forward. 
[Seven  scholars  come  forward  and  take  their  places  on  the  forms  in 
front  of  Hale,  and  while  they  are  doing  so  Lebanon  has  arranged 
Angelica  at  a  desk  in  front  of  Alice.] 

LEBANON. 
This  will  be  your  desk,  Miss  Angelica. 

ANGELICA. 
Thank  you,  sir.  Can  I  see  you  from  here  ? 

LEBANON. 

Yes,  I  always  occupy  Mr.  Hale's  chair.  But  you  mustn't  look 
at  me  all  the  time,  young  lady. 

ANGELICA. 

I  '11  try  not  to,  sir.  [She  sighs.  Hale  begins  to  hear  his  class.  Le 
banon  bends  over  Angelica,  opening  several  books,  marking  places 
in  them  for  her,  etc.  He  is  showing  her  where  her  lessons  are  to  beJ\ 

[  15] 


Nathan    Hale 


HALE. 

Master  Tom  Adams. 

TOM. 
[Rising. ~]  Yes,  sir. 

HALE. 
The  positive,  comparative  and  superlative  of  good? 

TOM. 
Good,  better,  best. 

HALE. 

Yes.  I  wish  you  'd  try  and  act  on  one  or  two  of  those  in  school. 
[Tom  sits,  grinning^  Master  Talbot !  [Talbot  Boy  rises.']  Posi 
tive,  comparative  and  superlative  of  sick  ? 

TALBOT  BOY  (who  lisps). 

Thick ? 

HALE. 

Well  ?  [Pause.']  Why,  any  boy  half  as  old  as  you  could  answer 
that. There  's  our  little  visitor,  Master  Jefferson  there,!  '11  wager 
he  knows  it.  Master  Jefferson  \\The  Jefferson  Roy  comes  forward. ~] 
Positive,  comparative  and  superlative  of  sick  ? 

THE  JEFFERSON  BOY. 

Sick  —  [Pause.~\  Worse  —  [Longer  pause. ^  Dead!  [The  school 
laughs. ,] 

HALE. 

[Laughing.]  That 's  a  good  answer  for  the  son  of  a  doctor  to 
make.  [He  nods  to  the  boy  to  sit,  and  he  does  so.~\  What  is  it  ?  [He 
looks  about  and  sees  Angelica  and  Lebanon  engrossed  in  each  other 
behind  a  grammar  bookl\  Miss  Angelica  —  [Angelica  and  Le 
banon  start."]  Can  you  give  it  to  us  ? 

ANGELICA. 

[Timidly,  rising  J]  I  love  —  you  love  —  he  or  she  loves.  [The 
school  giggles. ~] 

HALE. 

That  was  hardly  my  question,  Miss  Angelica.  [She  sitsy  embar- 

C  16] 


Act    First 


rassed.  A  slight  commotion  is  heard  outside '.]  What  I  asked  was  — 
[The  door  bursts  open  and  Fitzroy  enters.  He  is  a  young  handsome 
fellow  of  about  twenty-five,  in  the  uniform  of  a  British  officer ;  he  is 
excited,  and  somewhat  loud  and  noisy. ,] 

FITZROY. 
Is  this  the  Union  Grammar  School  ? 

HALE. 

[Rising.']  Yes  ! 

FITZROY. 

I  have  been  sent  here  by  General  Gage,  who  is  in  Boston,  to 
hold  a  meeting  of  your  townspeople  who  are  loyal  to  King 
George. 

HALE. 
What  for  ? 

FITZROY. 

Boston  is  in  a  state  of  siege.  The  rebels  who  chased  the  Regu 
lars  through  Lexington  have  been  joined  by  other  colonists 
around,  and  have  cut  the  town  completely  off"  from  all  commu 
nication,  except  by  sea.  This  state  of  affairs  is  nothing  else  than 
war,  and  Great  Britain  calls  upon  her  loyal  children  ! 

HALE. 

And  my  schoolhouse  ? 

FITZROY. 
Is  where  the  meeting  is  to  be  held,  at  once. 

HALE. 

[Coming  down  from  platform .]  A  'Tory  meeting  !  Here  !  Have  you 
been  properly  empowered  ? 

FITZROY. 

[Flourishing  a  paper. ,]  Yes,  here  is  my  permit.  A  crier  is  going 
about  the  town  now,  calling  the  men  to  meet  within  the  hour. 

HALE. 

A  Tory  meeting  here  !  [He  turns  to  the  school. ~]  Then  we'll  get 
out,  eh,  boys  ? 

[  17] 


N a  than    Ha  le 


ALL  THE  SCHOOL. 
Yes  —  yes  ! 

FlTZROY. 

What  —  are  you  all  rebels  here  ?  [Looking  over  the  school.'} 

TOM. 
No  !  We  're  "  Sons  of  Liberty  !  " 

FlTZROY. 

Damn  you  !  [Hale  interrupts  him  with  a  gesture,  motioning  to  the 
girls  on  their  side  of  the  room.  Fitzroy  takes  off  his  bearskin  hat  and 
bows  gracefully .]!  '11  warrant  the  young  ladies  favor  the  British — 
What,  Alice,  —  you  here?  You  will  allow  me,  sir?  [Hale  bows 
assent,  but  not  too  pleased,  and  Fitzroy  goes  to  Alice.] 

HALE. 

What  do  you  say  now,  Mr.  Lebanon  ?  Are  you  going  to  stay  for 
this  meeting  ? 

LEBANON. 
No,  sir-ee.  I  am  going  out  to  buy  a  gun. 

ANGELICA. 

\Gives  an  unconscious  cry,  and  forgetting  herself  and  her  surround 
ings,  rises  frightened,  crying,~\Ohy  no,  Mr.  Lebanon,  oh,  no,  no, 
no  ! 

HALE. 
Don't  be  alarmed,  Miss  Knowlton  !  I  doubt  if  he  ever  uses  it. 

ANGELICA. 
Make  him  promise  me,  sir,  he  '11  never  carry  it  loaded  ! 

HALE. 

[After  a  jealous  look  at  Alice  and  Fitzroy,  who  are  talking  together 
at  one  side,  turns  to  the  school.~\  Boys !  I  have  a  proposition  to  make. 
What  do  you  say  to  joining  a  small  volunteer  company  with  me 
at  your  head  ?  Every  boy  over  fifteen  eligible. 

BOYS. 

Yes  —  yes  ! 


Act    First 


THE  JEFFERSON   BOY. 
Please,  Mr.  Hale,  make  it  boys  over  'leven. 

HALE. 

We'll  make  you  drummer-boy,  Master  Jefferson.  Come  —  all 
boys  who  want  to  join,  sign  this  paper.  [They  all  crowd  around 
the  desk  and  sign,  the  constant  murmur  of  their  voices  being  heard 
through  the  following  scene.  Fitzroy  and  Alice  come  down  stage  to 
gether,  Alice  leading,  Fitzroy  following^ 

ALICE. 

Please  do  not  ask  me  that  again.  I  tell  you,  you  can  never  per 
suade  me.  Nor  can  my*  mother  influence  me  the  least  in  this. 
Twenty,  mothers  couldn't  make  my  heart  beat  for  you,  if  you 
can't  make  it  beat  yourself.  And  even  if  I  did  love  you  —  [She 
adds  quickly,']  which  I  dont — I'd  let  my  heart  break  before 
I  'd  marry  a  man  who  is  willing  to  take  up  arms  against  his  own 
country  ! 

FITZROY. 

That 's  a  girl's  reasoning.  England  is  too  great  a  power  to  be 
defeated  by  an  upstart  little  government  like  the  American,  and 
when  she  wins,  those  of  us  who  have  stood  by  her  will  be  re 
warded  !  These  poor  rebel  fools  will  have  their  every  penny  con 
fiscated,  while  I  have  a  grant  of  land,  promotion  in  the  army  — 
who  knows,  perhaps  a  title.  Don't  refuse  me  again  too  quickly  ! 

ALICE. 

Too  quickly!  There  are  no  words  short  enough  for  me  to  use. 
You  may  set!  your  country  for  money  and  power,  if  you  like,  but 
you  can't  buy  me  with  it,  also.  And  that 's  the  last  word  I  '11 
ever  say  to  you,  Guy  Fitzroy. 

FITZROY. 

Huh  !  You  '11  change  your  mind  some  day  !  I  mean  to  have  you, 
—  do  you  hear  me?  If  I  can't  beg  or  buy  you,  then  I  '11  steal. 
You  know  what  I  'm  like  when  I  'm  in  my  cups!  Some  day  when 
I  Ve  made  up  my  mind  I  can't  wait  any  longer,  I  '11  drink  my- 

[  19] 


Nathan    Hale 


self  mad  for  you,  and  then  beware  of  me.  You  remember  that 
evening  two  months  ago,  after  your  mother's  punch,  when  I 
dragged  you  behind  the  window  curtain  and  kissed  you  against 
your  will  on  your  arms  and  neck  and  lips  till  you  called  for 
help  ?  Remember  that,  and  don't  think  you  can  refuse  me  care 
lessly,  and  have  it  done  with.  No,  watch  for  me.  [She  stands 
facing  him  haughtily ,  showing  her  disgust  for  him.  There  is  a  mo 
ment's  pause  in  which  he  gazes  passionately  and  determinedly  at  her. 
Fitzroy  by  a  gesture  and  a  toss  of  his  head,  as  much  as  to  sayy  "  We '// 
see,  I  am  sure  to  win"  breaks  the  pause  and  the  feeling  of  the  scene, 
looking  at  his  watch  and  speaking  as  boys  go  back  in  single  file  to 
their  places,  having  signed  the  volunteer  roll-call.]  It  only  lacks  fif 
teen  minutes  of  noon;  I  must  be  off.  I  will  be  back,  Mr.  Hale, 
for  the  meeting  at  twelve.  How  many  of  you  boys  wish  to  stay 
and  rally  round  King  George's  flag  ?  [He  waits  for  some  sign  from 
the  boys.  There  is  only  silence.~]  You  little  fools !  [He  turns  to  Hale.] 
Is  this  your  teaching? 

HALE. 

Not  altogether,  though  I  Ve  done  my  best,  sir.  There  is  a  gentle 
man  in  the  Virginia  Assembly  who  said  "  Caesar ' ' — [He  looks  at  boys 
with  a  look  and  nod  of  invitation  to  join  him,  and  they  all  finish  with 
him  heartily -.]  "Caesar  had  his  Brutus,  Charles  the  First  his  Crom 
well,  and  George  III."  —  [Tom  throws  up  his  cap.} 

FITZROY. 
[Loudly.'}  Treason  —  this  is  treason  ! 

HALE. 

"  George  III.  may  profit  by  their  example."  That 's  what  Patrick 
Henry  said. 

FITZROY. 
Fortunate  for  him  he  went  no  farther! 

HALE. 

Oh,  he  is  still  moving!  I  think  he  will  go  far  enough  before  -he 
stops. 

[20] 


Act    First 


FlTZROY. 

He  may  go  up  !  {With  a  motion  across  the  throat,  of  hanging^  See 
that  the  house  is  ready  for  us.  [Hale  nods.  Fitzroy  looks  hard  at 
Alice,  then  says,]  Good  day  to  you  all!  [and goes  out.'] 

HALE. 

The  school  will  assemble  to-morrow  as  usual.  Of  course,  if  there's 
really  any  fighting  to  be  done  I  shall  go,  and  the  boys  who  are 
too  young  to  go  with  me  — 

THE  JEFFERSON   BOY. 
None  of  us  are,  sir. 

ALL  THE   BOYS. 
None  of  us  !  none  of  us  ! 

HALE. 

Ah,  I  'm  proud  of  you  !  Proud  of  you  all !  But  your  parents  have 
something  to  say;  and  for  the  girls  and  the  younger  boys  we 
must  find  another  teacher. 

LEBANON. 
I  will  stay,  Mr.  Hale.  I  feel  it 's  my  duty. 

HALE. 

[Amused J\  Ahem  !  Very  well  —  that  is  settled  then.  For  to-day 
the  school  is  now  dismissed,  except  Miss  Alice  Adams,  who  must 
remain  behind. 

TOM. 

[Rises,  angrily.']  What  for?  She  hasn't  done  anything  —  she 
hasn't  had  a  chance  to  do  anything.  You  kept  her  in  all  recess, 
and  you  shan't  keep  her  in  again  !  [Alice  and  Hale  are  secretly 
amused.  'The  school  looks  on  surprised  and  excited '.] 

HALE. 

Look  here,  Master  Adams,  what  right  have  you  to  say  as  to  what 
shall  or  shall  not  be  done  in  this  school  ? 

TOM. 

She  's  my  sister,  and  you  're  always  punishing  her,  and  I  won't 
have  if ! 


N a  than    Ha  I  e 


HALE. 
\AmusedI\  Oh,  won't  you  ? 

TOM. 

No,  sir,  I  won't !  She  never  does  anything  worth  being  punished 
for.  You  Ve  got  a  grudge  against  her;  all  the  boys  have  seen  it ! 
Haven't  you,  boys  ?  Go  on,  speak  out,  —  haven't  you  seen  it  ? 
Burning  to  the  boys,  who  murmur,  rather  timidly ,]  Yes. 

HALE. 

Really  —  May  I  ask  who  is  master  here  ?  School  is  dismissed, 
except  Miss  Alice  Adams,  —  she  remains  behind. 

TOM. 

[Excited,  coming  out  from  his  seat  to  in  front  of  the  benches. ~\  I  say 
she  shan't ! 

HALE. 
And  I  say  it's  none  of  your  business,  sir,  and  she  shall. 

TOM. 

[Off  his  head  with  excitement^  She  shan't!  [Beginning  to  take  off 
his  coat.']  Will  you  fight  it  out  with  me  ?  Come  on  —  a  fair  fight ! 

ALICE. 
Tom  ! 

[The  school  rise  and  go  out  slowly  with  Lebanon,  but  casting  curi 
ous  looks  behind  them  as  they  go.  Alice,  Hale,  and  Tom  are  left  be 
hind^ 

HALE. 

I  will  leave  it  with  Miss  Adams  herself  whether  she  does  as  I 
say,  or  not. 

TOM. 
Come  on,  Alice,  come  on  with  me. 

ALICE. 
No,  I  prefer  to  stay. 

TOM. 

Bah  — just  like  a  girl !  Very  well,  then  /  shall  stay,  too.  [Hale 
and  Alice  look  surprised  and  disappointed, yet  secretly  amused. ,]  Every 

[aa.] 


Act    First 


time  you  punish  my  sister,  you  '11  have  to  punish  me  now.  If  she 
stays  behind,  I  stay  too,  to  keep  her  company.  [Behind  Tom's 
back  Alice  and  Hale  exchange  amused  and  puzzled  looks  and  affec 
tionate  signals.  Finally  Hale  has  an  idea.] 

HALE. 

Tom,  come  here,  —  go  to  the  blackboard.  [Tom  goes  sullenly  to 
the  board]  I  think  we  '11  have  a  little  Latin  out  of  you.  Write 
the  present  tense  of  the  Latin  word  to  love.  [Tom  sneers,  but 
with  a  piece  of  chalk  writes , 

"Amo,  I  love, 

Amas,  Thou  lovest, 
'     Amat,  He  — 

is  interrupted]  Never  mind  the  "he  or  she";just  make  it  "she." 
[Tom  puts  an  "  s  "  in  front  of  the  "  he"  making  it  "  she  "and  adds 
"loves"  Tom  looks  sullen  and  rather  foolish,  not  understanding. 
Hale  goes  to  board  and  taking  a  piece  of  chalk  adds  after  first 
line  "Alice,"  and  also  to  end  of  second  line  "  Alice ;  "  he  adds  to 
third  line  "me"  and  signs  it  "  Nathan  Hale."  The  blackboard  then 
reads :  — 

"Amo,  /  love  Alice, 
Amas,  Thou  lovest  Alice, 
Arnat,  She  loves  —  me. 

Nathan  Hale."] 

TOM. 

[Embarrassed,  surprised,  not  altogether  pleased]  What  —  I  don't 
believe  it  —  it  isn't  true  ! 

ALICE. 
[Rising  and  coming  forward]  Yes,  it  is,  Tom. 

TOM. 

Well,  I  '11  be  blowed  !  —  [He  stops  short,  crimson  in  the  face,  and 
rushes  from  the  room.  Hale  goes  toward  Alice  with  his  arms  out 
stretched  to  embrace  her  ;  Alice  goes  into  his  arms  —  a  long  embrace 
and  kiss ;  a  loud  tattoo  on  a  drum  outside  startles  them] 

C  23  ] 


N a  than    Ha  le 


HALE. 
The  Tory  meeting ! 

ALICE. 
Fitzroy  will  be  back.  I  don't  want  to  see  him  ! 

HALE. 

Quick — we  '11  go  by  the  window !  [Putting achair  under  the  win 
dow,  he  jumps  onto  chair  and  out ;  then  leans  in  the  window  and 
iiolds  out  his  hands  to  Alice,  who  is  on  the  chair. ~]  And  if  to-morrow 
another  drum  makes  me  a  soldier  —  ? 

ALICE. 
It  will  make  me  a  soldier's  sweetheart ! 

.HALE. 

Come.  [She  gets  out  of  the  window  with  his  help,  and  with  loud  drum 
tattoo  and  bugle  call,  the  Stage  is  left  empty,  and  the  Curtain 


L'H] 


/  A  £      Second 


Act  the    Second 


SEPTEMBER,  1776.  At  Colonel  Knowlton's  house  on 
Harlem  Heights.  A  large,  general  room  with  white  walls  and 
columns.  The  furniture  of  the  room  is  heavy  mahogany  uphol 
stered  in  crimson  brocade,  this  latter  material  also  hanging 
in  curtains  at  the  windows.  Life-sized  portraits  by  Copley  and  Stuart, 
of  Colonel  and  Mrs.  Knowlton  at  the  time  of  their  marriage,  hang  on 
each  side  of  the  room.  Abroad  window  at  back  shows  the  brick  wall 
of  the  garden,  and  through  a  tall,  ornamental,  iron  gate  is  caught  a 
glimpse  of  the  river.  Mrs.  Knowlton  is  nervously  looking  out  of  the 
window.  She  comes  from  the  window,  pulls  the  bell-rope,  and  returns 
agitatedly  to  window.  A  happy  old  colored  servant  in  a  light  blue 
and  silver  livery  enters  in  answer. 

SERVANT. 

YAAS,  m'm  ? 
MRS.   KNOWLTON. 
Oh,  Jasper,  how  long  since  Miss  Angelica  went  out  ? 

SERVANT. 
I  dunno,  m'm. 

MRS.   KNOWLTON. 
It  isn't  safe  for  her  to  go  out  alone,  Jasper. 

SERVANT. 
No,  m'm. 

MRS.   KNOWLTON. 
\Looking  again  out  of  window  ^\Kr\&\  've  expressly  forbidden  her. 

SERVANT. 
Yaas,  m'm. 

MRS.   KNOWLTON. 

\Turning  and  coming  back  excitedly  on  her  toes.~\  And  you  don't 
know  ? 


Nathan    Hale 


SERVANT. 
Dunno  nothing,  m'm. 

MRS.   KNOWLTON. 
And  the  other  servants  ? 

SERVANT. 

None  of  the  servants  in  this  hyah  house,  m'm,  dunno  nothing 
whatsomever  what  ole  Jasper  dunno. 

[Colonel  Knowlton  enters  hurriedly.  He  is  a  tall,  striking-looking 
man,  aquiline  features,  and  iron-gray  hair.  He  is  strong  in  character, 
brave  in  spirit,  and  affectionate  in  heart.  He  is  dressed  in  the  blue  and 
buff  uniform  of  a  Revolutionary  Colonel ^\ 

COLONEL  KNOWLTON. 
[Speaks  as  he  enters.']  Ah,  Martha,  that 's  good  I  Ve  found  you  ! 

SERVANT. 
[Eagerly.]  Beg  pardon,  sah,  but  am  thar  any  news,  Colonel  ? 

COLONEL  KNOWLTON. 

Yes,  Jasper.  You  servants  must  turn  all  our  rooms  into  bed 
chambers  by  to-night.  [Sits  heavily  on  the  sofa  as  if  he  were  tired.] 

MRS.   KNOWLTON. 

What !  [Going  to  him  and  sitting  beside  him  on  the  sofa.] 
[Jasper  leaves  the  room,  taking  the  Colonel's  sword  and  hat.] 

COLONEL  KNOWLTON. 

The  army  has  abandoned  the  city,  under  Washington's  orders, 
to  take  a  position  here,  on  Harlem  Heights.  Washington  is  mak 
ing  his  own  headquarters  at  the  house  of  Robert  Murray,  on 
Murray  Hill,  and  we  must  take  in  all  the  staff  officers  we  can. 

MRS.   KNOWLTON. 

[Brushing  the  dust  off  his  shoulders,  and  holding  his  arm  affeElion- 
afety.]  Well,  I  'm  glad  of  a  chance  to  be  of  some  sort  of  use,  even 
if  it 's  only  to  turn  the  house  into  a  tavern  !  Have  we  abandoned 
the  city  entirely  ? 

COLONEL   KNOWLTON. 
No,  General  Putnam  is  there  with  four  thousand  men.  But  every- 

[*«] 


Act    Second 


one  who  can  is  leaving.  The  sick  have  been  sent  over  to  Paulus 
Hook.*  I  told  Captain  Adams  he  should  stay  with  us,  and  he 
brings  Alice  with  him. 

MRS.   KNOWLTON. 

That 's  most  desirable  for  Angelica.  This  Lebanon  person  pro 
posed  for  her  again  to  me  this  morning !  He  doesn't  seem  to  un 
derstand  the  meaning  of  the  word  "No."  The  next  time  you  V 
better  say  it  and  see  if  he  will  understand. 

COLONEL   KNOWLTON. 
What  is  there  against  Mr.  Lebanon? — Where  is  Angelica? 

MRS.   KNOWLTON. 

I  don't  know,  and  I  'm  that  worried.  [Rises  and  goes  again  to  the 
window.']  She  's  been  gone  two  hours,  and  she  didn't  wear  her 
pattens. 

JASPER. 

[Enters,  announcing, ~\  Captain  Adams,  sah,  and  Missy.  [Colonel 
Knowlton  rises  as  Captain  Adams  and  Alice  come  in.  Alice  looks 
much  more  of  a  young  lady  than  in  the  first  aft,  and  very  charming  in 
a  full  blue  and  white  dress,  big  hat,  and  black  silk  pelisse  for  travel 
ling.  Her  father,  Captain  Adams,  is  a  portly,  dignified, good-hearted 
man,  older  than  Colonel  Knowlton,  and  like  him  in  colonial  uniform. 
Captain  Adams  kisses  Mrs.  Knowlton,  then  goes  to  Knowlton, 
while  Alice  kisses  Mrs.  Knowlton.] 

MRS    KNOWLTON. 

I  'm  so  glad  you  came,  too,  Alice.  Angelica  is  worrying  me  ter 
ribly.  [Helping  Alice  off  with  her  pelisse.  'The  two  women  go  up  the 
stage  together.]  ' 

CAPTAIN  ADAMS. 

I  Ve  been  seeing  about  the  public  stores  which  are  being  taken 
to  Dobb's  Ferry.  General  Washington  tells  me  he  has  asked 
you  to  hold  a  conference  here  to-day. 

*  Now  Jersey  City. 


N a  than    Ha  I  e 


COLONEL   KNOWLTON. 

Yes.  {^Turning  to  Mrs.  Knowlton.]  We  must  prepare  this  room, 
Martha. 

MRS.   KNOWLTON. 
What  is  the  conference  for  ? 

COLONEL   KNOWLTON. 
We  must  discover,  in  some  way,  what  the  enemy's  plans  are. 

CAPTAIN  . ADAMS. 

Yes, what  are  these  damned  British  going  to  do?  We  must  know. 
The  army  is  becoming  more  and  more  demoralized  every  day. 

ALICE. 

Only  to  think  !  We  Ve  heard  our  soldiers  are  actually  in  need 
of  the  barest  necessities  of  clothing,  and  there  are  practically  no 
blankets.  [During  Alice's  speech^  Mrs.  Knowlton  goes  to  the  door 
at  /eft,  opens  it  and  listens  for  Angelica.  Closes  it  and  comes  back.'} 

MRS.   KNOWLTON. 

No  blankets — and  the  winter  coming  !  Well !  I  was  married 
with  six  pairs,  and  mother  was  married  with  six,  and  Angelica 
shan't  be  married  at  all  —  at  least  not  till  this  war's  over  !  So 
there's  three  times  six, — eighteen  pairs  for  the  Continental 
soldiers — bless  their  hearts  !  Alice,  how  about  young  Fitzroy  ? 
It 's  rumored  again  you  're  going  to  marry  him.  [Crossing  to  Alice 
as  she  speaks  her  name.  At  the  same  time  the  two  men  go  a  few  steps 
up  the  stage  and  talk  together  confidentially.'} 

ALICE. 

Oh,  that  rumor  spreads  every  time  I  refuse  him;  and  I  did  again 
by  post,  yesterday. 

MRS.   KNOWLTON. 

I  'm  glad  of  it !  He  's  nothing  like  Captain  Hole's  equal.  Peo 
ple  aren't  through  talking  yet  of  his  gallant  capture  of  the  British 
sloop  in  the  East  River  ! 

COLONEL   KNOWLTON. 

Hale  's  done  a  hundred  brave  things  since  then  !  The  eyes  of 
the  whole  army  are  upon  him. 

[30] 


Act    Second 


ALICE. 

\Very  happy  and  proud '.]  I  know  something  very  few  are  aware 
of.  Not  long  ago  the  men  of  his  company,  whose  term  of  service 
had  expired,  determined  to  leave  the  ranks,  and  he  offered  to 
give  them  his  pay  if  they  would  only  remain  a  certain  time 
longer.  [The  two  men  come  forward.'] 

CAPTAIN  ADAMS. 

Good  heavens!  What,  my  daughter  doesn't  know  about  Captain 
Hale!  — 

ALICE. 
[Beseeching.^  Father ! 

CAPTAIN  ADAMS. 

[Smiling. ~]  If  you  allow  Alice,  she  will  spend  the  day  discanting 
on  Captain  Hale's  merits.  As  for  Fitzroy,  he  's  a  blackguard. 
They  say  he  would  like  to  join  the  Americans  now,  but  don't 
dare,  because  he  killed  one  of  his  old  friends  in  a  drunken  brawl, 
and  he  's  afraid  he  'd  get  strung  for  it. 

COLONEL   KNOWLTON. 

And  just  at  present,  Martha,  Captain  Adams  would  probably 
be  pleased  to  go  to  his  room. 

MRS.   KNOWLTON. 

By  all  means.  This  way,  Captain.  Alice,  I  will  return  for  you 
in  a  moment.  You  must  share  with  Angelica,  now  the  house  is 
to  be  turned  into  a  barracks. 

COLONEL   KNOWLTON. 

Be  careful  you  girls  don't  do  anywroundingon  your  own  account. 
We  've  no  men  to  spare.  [Alice  laughs.  Mrs.  Knowlton  and  Cap 
tain  Adams  go  out  by  the  door,  left.  Alice  stops  Colonel  Knowlton,  tfj 
he  is  about  to  follow.  She  pantomimes  him  to  come  back,  pushes  him 
down  onto  the  sofa — she  is  behind  it — and  with  her  arms  about  his 
neck,  speaks  cajolinglyj] 

ALICE. 
Uncle  Knowlton  ? 

[31  ] 


Nathan    Hale 


COLONEL   KNOWLTON. 
Yes,  my  dear. 

ALICE. 
Have  you  any  news  of  Captain  Hale? 

COLONEL   KNOWLTON. 

How  long  is  it  since  you  have  seen  him  ? 

ALICE. 

Much  too  long,  and  I  Ve  made  up  my  mind  not  to  have  it  any 
more. 

COLONEL   KNOWLTON. 

That 's  right,  don't  trust  him.  In  Connecticut,  where  he  's  been, 
the  girls  are  far  too  pretty.  [Insinuatingly ',  bending  his  head  back 
and  looking  up  at  her  humorously^ 

ALICE. 
[Jealously.^  You  Ve  heard  some  stories  of  him  ? 

COLONEL   KNOWLTON. 

[f easing  her.']  Ahem  !  Far  be  it  from  me  to  expose  a  fellow 
soldier. 

ALICE. 
Uncle  Knowlton,  I  'm  ashamed  of  you  !  An  old  man  like  you  ! 

COLONEL   KNOWLTON. 
Oh,  not  so  old  ! 

ALICE. 
What  do  you  know  ? 

COLONEL   KNOWLTON. 
\RmngI\  Nothing,  my  dear.  I  was  only  jesting.  [Starting  to  go. ~\ 

ALICE. 

I  'm  not  so  sure  of  that.  Wait  a  minute  !  [Coming  from  behind 
the  sofa  to  him,  she  seizes  hold  of  him  by  a  button  on  the  breast  of  his 
coat,  taking  a  pair  of  scissors  from  the  table  —  the  house  bell  is 
heardJ] 

COLONEL   KNOWLTON. 
What  are  you  doing  ? 


Act    S  e  c  o  n  d 


ALICE. 

Getting  a  soldier's  button  to  make  Captain  Hale  jealous  with  ! 
He  shan't  think  he  is  the  only  one  to  flirt. 
[Jasper  enters  from  the  hall  in  answer  to  the  house  bell  and  crosses 
the  room  to  the  door  which  leads  to  upstairs.] 

COLONEL   KNOWLTON. 
We  soldiers  don't  give  buttons  away — we  sell  them  ! 

ALICE. 

Oh,  I  'm  going  to  kiss  you  !  You  're  quite  old  enough  for  that, 
[She  kisses  him^  but,  when  I  tell  Nathan  about  it,  I  shall  pretend 
you  were  somebody  else,  and  young,  and  good  looking  ! 
[Jasper,  who  has  watched  them  by  the  doorway^  right,  chuckles  and 
goes  out] 

COLONEL   KNOWLTON. 

Well,  you  can  tell  him  to-day  if  you  like  !  —  [For  a  second  Alice 
cannot  speak  for  surprise  and  joy ;  then  she  catches  her  breath  and 
cries,} 

ALICE. 
He  's  coming  here  ! 

COLONEL  KNOWLTON. 

Yes.  [Nods  his  head  violently.} 

ALICE. 

Oh  !  [She  cries  out  for  very  happiness,  and  running  across  the  room 
throws  herself  in  an  ecstasy  of  joy  upon  the  sofa;  then  quickly  jumps 
up  and  runs  back  to  Colonel  Knowlton.]  I  '11  kiss  you  again  for 
that  good  news.[<S 'tarts  to  kiss  him ;  changes  her  mind}  No,  I  won't, 
either  ! 

COLONEL   KNOWLTON. 
No,  you  must  save  all  the  rest  of  your  kisses  for  Captain  Hale  ! 

ALICE. 

Oh,  dear  no !  Yours  weren't  at  all  the  kind  I  give  him.  You  know 
there  are  two  kinds  of  visits, — those  we  make  because  we  want 
to  see  people,  and  those  we  make  on  strangers,  or  after  a  party, 

[33  ] 


N a  than    Ha  I  e 


whether  we  want  to  or  not.  The  latter  are  called  duty  visits ! 
Well?  —  Do  you  understand? 

COLONEL   KNOWLTON. 
No,  not  in  the  least. 

ALICE. 

Stupid  !  Your  kiss  was  a  duty  visit.  \With  a  low  mocking  curtsey .] 
What  hour  is  he  coming  ? 

COLONEL   KNOWLTON. 

I  won't  tell  you,,  Miss !  I  won't  give  you  another  party,  all  for  that 
one  little  duty  visit.  \_And  he  starts  to  go  out  by  the  door,  left] 

MRS.   KNOWLTON. 
[Off  the  stage,  left,  calls, ~]  Thomas  ! 

COLONEL   KNOWLTON. 
Coming,  Martha !  [He  closes  the  door  behind  him] 

ALICE. 

[Dances  half-way  around  the  room,  singing] 
"  Nathan  is  coming,  to-day,  to-day  ! 

Nathan  is  coming  to-day,  to-day!"  etc.,  etc. 
\fillshe  reaches  the  mirror  on  the  wall  at  the  left.  She  examines  her 
self  critically  in  the  glass,  still  singing,  takes  a  rose  from  a  vase  and 
puts  it  in  her  hair,  retouches  her  toilet  where  she  can,  and  pinches 
her  cheeks  to  make  them  red]  Oh,  dear,  I  wish  I  were  prettier!  I 
wonder  what  those  Connecticut  girls  are  like  !  —  [Angelica 
appears  outside  the  window,  and  thrusts  her  head  in] 

ANGELICA. 
\Whispers]  Alice! 

ALICE. 
[Startled]  Oh  !  Angelica  ! 

ANGELICA. 
Sh  !  .  .  .  don't  look  —  turn  your  head  the  other  way. 

ALICE. 
What  in  the  world — ! 

ANGELICA. 
Sh — Go  on — Please.  .  .  .  [Alice  turns  her  back  to  the  window. 

[34] 


Act    Second 


Angelica  beckons,  off  left,  and  runs  fast  the  window,  followed  by 
Lebanon,  quickly.  The  front  door  is  heard  to  slam.  Angelica/>///J  her 
head  in  at  the  doorway,  right.'] 

ALICE. 
What 's  the  matter  ? 

ANGELICA. 
Alice  !  Matter  !  Matter  enough  !  I  'm  married  ! ! 

ALICE. 
[Loudly.]  What ! ! 

ANGELICA. 
[Frightened]  Sh  !  Where  is  mother  ? 

ALICE. 

Upstairs. 

ANGELICA. 

Very  well.  [Speaks  over  her  shoulder.]  Come  along,  darling  !  [She 
enters,  followed  by  Lebanon,  dressed  in  Continental  uniform.  He 
wears  a  white  wedding  favor,  and  carries  a  gun  awkwardly]  I  'm 
a  married  woman,  Alice !  [She  turns  and  directs  Alice's  attention 
to  Lebanon,  on  whom  she  gazes  lovingly]  Isn't  he  beautiful  in  his 
soldier  clothes  ?  [Lebanon  smiles,  embarrassed  but  happy,  and  goes 
to  shake  hands  with  Alice.]  Go  on,  you  can  kiss  him,  Alice.  I 
won't  be  jealous,  just  this  once  on  our  wedding  day  ! 

LEBANON. 

[70  Angelica.]  No,  really,  thank  you,  Precious,  but  I  'd  rather 
not.  [-70  Alice.]  You  don't  mind  ? 

ALICE. 
[Smiling]  Oh,  no,  pray  don't  put  yourself  out  for  me  ! 

ANGELICA. 

[Aside  to  Lebanon.]  You  Ve  hurt  her  feelings.  [She  tries  to  take 
his  arm,  but  it  is  his  right  in  which  he  carries  his  gun.  Aloud]  Hold 
your  gun  in  your  other  hand,  I  want  to  take  your  arm.  [He 
changes  his  gun  awkwardly.  'They  stand  together,  arm  in  arm,  her 
head  on  his  shoulder,  and  she  gives  a  happy  sigh]  Alice,  will  you 
break  it  to  mother,  at  once  ? 

[35] 


Nathan    Hale 


ALICE. 
Mercy  !  I  forgot  about  that.  It 's  an  elopement ! 

ANGELICA. 

Yes,  and  in  the  day  time  !  I  hated  to  do  without  a  moon,  but 
I  could  never  get  away  evenings. 

ALICE. 
Does  your  mother  suspect  ? 

ANGELICA. 
Not  a  sign.  She  refused  Ebenezer  again  this  morning ! 

MRS.   KNOWLTON. 

[Calls  from  off  stage,  /<?//.]  Alice !  [All  start.  Angelica  and  Le 
banon  show  abjett  terror,  and,  " grabbing"  for  each  other ^  cling 
together^ 

ANGELICA. 
Oh,  she  's  coming  !  Save  us.  Alice,  save  us  ! 

ALICE. 
Quick  !  Go  back  into  the  hall.  [Starts  pushing  them  out.~\ 

LEBANON. 

Do  it  gently.  Miss  Alice. 

ANGELICA. 

Yes,  mother  couldn't  stand  too  great  a  shock.  [They  go  out,  right. 
Alice  takes  a  ribbon  out  of  the  little  bag  she  carries,  and  putting 
Colonel  Knowlton's  button  on  it,  ties  it  around  her  neck,  as  Mrs. 
Knowlton  comes  into  the  roomJ] 

MRS.   KNOWLTON. 

I  heard  voices.  What  did  they  want  ? 

ALICE. 

[Embarrassed,  but  amu sed.~\  They  desired  me  to  tell  you,  as  gently 
as  possible,  that  they — that  she — that  he — well,  thatyou  are  a 
mother-in-law ! 

MRS.   KNOWLTON. 
What  do  you  mean,  child;  by  calling  me  names  ? 

[36] 


Act    Second 


ALICE. 
Angelica — 

MRS.   KNOWLTON. 

Angelica!  —  Mother-in-law — Alice, don't  tell  me!  Give  me  air! 
Give  me  air ! 

ALICE. 
[Fanning  her.]  Air ! 

MRS.   KNOWLTON. 

No  !  no  !  I  mean  something  to  sit  on.  Angelica — my  baby  ! 
hasn't  made  herself  miserable  for  life  ?  [Sitting  in  a  chair  which 
Alice  brings  forward  for  her.] 

ALICE. 
No  !  She  's  married. 

MRS.   KNOWLTON. 

It 's  the  same  thing  !  Who  was  the  wicked  child's  accomplice  ? 
[She  suddenly  realizes,  and  rises, ]  It  wasn't — it  wasn't — that — 
[She  chokes!]  that — that!  — 

ALICE. 
Lebanon ! 

MRS.  KNOWLTON. 

No !  [Her  legs  give  way,  owing  to  her  emotions,  and  she  sits  sud 
denly  in  the  chair.]  I  won't  believe  it !  Those  children !  I  '11  spank 
them  both  and  put  them  ^o  bed  !  No  !  I  won't  do  that  either  ! 
Where  are  they  ? 

ALICE. 
In  the  hall. 

MRS.   KNOWLTON. 
[Rises  and  gestures  tragically^  Call  them  ! 

ALICE. 

[Going  to  the  door,  right.]  You  won't  be  cruel  to  her — \_VLrs. 
Knowlton  breathes  hard  through  her  tightly  compressed  lips.] 
Angelica  !  [Angelica  and  Lebanon  enter  timidly. ~] 

ANGELICA. 
Mother ! 

[37] 


Nathan    Hale 


MRS.   KNOWLTON. 

Don't  come  near  me  !  I — you  undutiful  child  !  [She  begins  to 
break  down  and  tears  threaten  her ; —  to  Lebanon,]  As  for  you, 
sir — words  fail  me — I  [She  breaks  down  completely,  and  turns  to 
Angelica.]  Oh,  come  to  my  arms  !  [The  last  is  meant  for  Angel 
ica  only,  but  Lebanon  takes  it  for  himself  also.  Both  Angelica  and 
Lebanon  £0  to  Mrs.  Knpwl  ton's  arms,  but  she  repulses  Lebanon.] 
Not  you,  sir!  Not  you!  \_And  enfolds  Angelica.]  My  little  girl! 
Why  did  you  ? —  [Cry ing. ~\ 

ANGELICA. 

[Herself  a  little  tearful. ]  He  said  he  'd  go  fight  if  I  'd  marry  him ! 
And  I  heard  so  much  of  our  needing  soldiers;  I  did  it,  a  little,  for 
the  sake  of  the  country  ! 

MRS.   KNOWLTON. 
Rubbish  !  Come  to  my  room  ! — 

ANGELICA. 

Look  at  him,  mother !  And  I  wouldn't  marry  him  till  he  put 
them  all  on  !  Gun  and  all ! 

LEBANON. 
[Timidly.]  Mother! 

MRS.   KNOWLTON. 
[Turning]  What  I !  How  dare  you,  sir  ! 

LEBANON. 

Please  be  a  mother  to  me,  just  for  a  few  minutes.  I  'm  going  off 
to  fight  this  evening. 

MRS.   KNOWLTON. 
\Witheringly]  Fight !  You  ? 

LEBANON. 

Yes,  I  said  to  my  wife —  [These  words  very  proudly.  Angelica 
also  straightens  up  at  them,  and  Mrs.  Knowlton  gasps  angrily] 
Let 's  begin  with  your  mother,  and  if  I  'm  not  afraid  before  her, 
I  '11  be  that  much  encouraged  toward  facing  the  British.  [Angel 
ica,  seizingLeb&non's  free  hand,  says  "Come"  and  the  two  kneel  at 
Mrs.  Knowlton's/^/,  in  the  manner  of  old-fashioned  story  books] 

[38  ] 


Act    Second 


ANGELICA. 
Forgive  him,  mother,  for  the  sake  of  the  country  ? 

MRS.   KNOWLTOX. 

Hm  !  We'll   see — [She  goes   out  saying,']    Come,   Angelica! 
[Angelica,  follows  her  out,  beckoning  to  Lebanon  to  follow,  which 
he  does,  -pushed  forward  by  Alice.  Alice  is  left  alone.  Jasper  enters 
from  the  right!] 

JASPER. 
Has  Colonel  Knowlton  gone  out,  Missy? 

ALICE. 
No,  Jasper. 

JASPER. 
'Cause  thah  's  a  young  Captain  Hale  hyah  to  pay  his  respecks. 

ALICE. 
Captain  Hale ! 

JASPER. 
Yaas,  Missy. 

ALICE. 

Then  never  you  mind  about  Colonel  Knowlton,  Jasper;  /will 
take  all  the  respects  that  gentleman  has  to  pay  ! 

JASPER. 

La,  Missy  !  Is  you  sweet  on  him  ?  [Opens  door.~]  This  way,  sah  ! 
Hyah  's  a  young  lady  says  as  how  she  's  been  waiting  up  sence 
sunrise  foa  you  ! 

ALICE. 
Jasper !  [Hale  enters.~] 

HALE. 

[Seeing  her,  is  very  much  surprised.~\  Alice  !  [He  rushes  to  her  and 
takes  her  in  his  arms.~\ 

JASPER. 

[By  the  door,  right,  with  much  feeling.~\  Dat  's  right,  kiss  on, 
ma  honeys  !  Smack  each  other  straight  from  the  heart.  It  does 
ole  Jasper  good  to  see  you.  Thah  's  a  little  yaller  gal  lying  out 
in  the  graveyard,  yonder,  dat  knows  ole  Jasper  was  fond  of 
kissing,  too  !  [Alice  and  Hale  finish  their  embrace,  and  sit  side  by 

[  39  ] 


N a  than    Ha  I  e 


side  on  the  sofa.  'They  are  unconscious  of  Jasper's  presence,  who  lingers 
to  enjoy  their  love,  unable  to  tear  himself  away.  He  speaks  softly  to 
himself ^\  Don't  stop,  ma  honeys,  don't  stop  ! 

HALE. 

I  had  no  hint  I  should  find  you  here,  [faking  her  hand.~\ 

ALICE. 
Father  brought  me  to-day. 

JASPER. 

[Taking  a  step  nearer  to  them  behind  the  sofa."]  Bress  their  little 
souls  ! 

HALE. 

I  have  just  come  down  from  Connecticut — a  lovely  part  of  the 
country.  [Alice  draws  her  hand  away.~\ 

ALICE. 
Yes.  I  Ve  heard  of  you  there. 

JASPER. 

[Coming  in  earshot,  disappointed^]  Oh,  go  on,  ma  honeys,  don't 
stop  !  Kiss  again,  jes'  for  ole  Jasper's  sake  ! 

ALICE. 
Jasper ! 

HALE. 

What  do  you  want,  Jasper  ? 

JASPER. 

Want  to  see  you  kiss  again,  Cappen.  It  warms  ma  ole  heart,  i 
does. 

HALE. 

[Laughing.]  I  '11  warm  something  else  for  you,  if  you  don't  g< 
out ! 

JASPER. 

You  don'  mind  ole  Jasper,  Cappen  ?  Why,  I  done  see  the  nobles 
in  the  Ian'  kiss  right  yah  in  this  very  room  ! 

HALE. 

Well,  you  go  away  now.  You  have  kissing  on  the  brain. 

[40] 


Act    Second 


JASPER. 

Maybe  I  has,  Cappen,  but  I  'd  a  deal  sight  rather  have  it  on  the 
lips  !  You  ain't  the  on'y  sojer  anyway,  Cappen,  what  Missy  's 
kissed.  Take  ole  Jasper's  word  for  dat,  you  ain't  the  on'y  one 
this  very  day,  you  take  ole  Jasper's  word  for  dat !  [Chuckling.] 

ALICE. 

[Leading  Jasper  on  to  make  Hale  jealous.]  Why,  Jasper,  where 
were  you  ? 

JASPER. 

I  was  jes'  comin'  in,  Missy,  and  jes'  goin'  out.  I  shet  my  eyes 
tight,  but  they  would  squint,  honey !  Jasper's  ears  anyway  are 
jes'  as  sartin  as  stealin'  to  hear  kissin'  goin'  on  anywhere  round 
these  hyah  parts.  [He  goes  out,  right.'] 

HALE. 

Is  that  true  ?  [Alice  looks  at  him,  smiling  provokingly,  and  play 
ing  with  the  military  button  on  the  ribbon  around  her  neck,  to  call 
his  attention  to  it.  He  sees  the  button .]  Whose — [He  stops  himself, 
resolved  not  to  ask  her  about  it;  but  he  cant  take  his  eyes  off  it. ~] 

ALICE. 

/  wish  to  ask  a  question  or  two  !  How  many  young  ladies  did 
you  see  in  Connecticut  ? 

HALE.' 

[Moodily.']  I  don't  know.  What  soldier's  button  is  that  you  wear 
on  your  neck? 

ALICE. 

What  young  ladies  have  you  made  love  to,  since  we  Ve  been 
separated  ? 

HALE. 
Whom  did  you  kiss  to-day,  before  me  ? 

ALICE. 
Confess  ! 

HALE. 
Whom? 

[4i  3 


N a  than    Ha  I e 


ALICE. 

[Rises. ~\  Captain  Hale,  \Wiih  a  curtsey .]  I  'm  not  your  pupil  any 
longer,  to  be  catechised  so  ! 

HALE. 

[Rises  also  J]  Very  well!  Please  tell  your  uncle.  Colonel  Knowlton, 
I  am  here  to  see  him. 

ALICE. 
Captain  Hale,  [Another  curtsey. ~]  I  shan't  do  any  such  thing. 

HALE. 

Then  I  '11  go  find  him  myself.  [Going  toward  the  door,  leftJ] 

ALICE. 

[Running  before  himJ]  No,  you  won't — Captain  Hale — [Going 
before  the  door  and  barring  his  way.~\ 

HALE. 
Give  me  that  button.  [His  eyes  on  //.] 

ALICE. 
[Leaning  against  the  door-frame.']  Not  for  worlds  !  [Kissing  //.] 

HALE. 

[Looking  about  the  room.~\  I  '11  climb  out  the  window.  [Alice  runs 
to  prevent  him,  and  gets  to  the  window  first.^ 

.ALICE. 
Do,  if  you  like,  but  I  shan't  follow  you  this  time  ! 

HALE. 

Ah,  you  remember  that  day  in  the  schoolhouse  when  you 
promised  to  be  a  soldier's  sweetheart  ?  I  didn't  know  you  meant 
a  whole  regiment's. 

ALICE. 

[Coming  aw  ay  from  the  window,  indignant. ,]  How  dare  you !  Leave 
my  house ! 

HALE. 
Whose  house  ? 

ALICE. 
I  mean — my  uncle's  house. 


Act    Second 


HALE. 

Which  way  may  I  go  ?  The  way  I  came  ? 

ALICE. 

\Witheringly  I\  Yes,  back  to  your  Connecticut  young  ladies  ! 

HALE. 

Thank  you !  [Bows,  and  steps  out  of  the  low  window.  Alice  stands 
listening  a  moment,  then  hurries  to  the  window  and  leans  out,  calling^ 

ALICE. 
Nathan  !  Nathan  !  Where  are  you  going  ? 

HALE. 
Where  you  sent  me — to — ahem  !  —  Connecticut! 

ALICE. 
Are  there  so  many  pretty  girls  there  ? 

HALE. 

There  isn't  a  petticoat  in  the  State — at  least  there  wasn't  for 
my  eyes  ! 

ALICE. 

Then  come  back !  Come  back !  Quickly !  [Nathan  reappears  out 
side  the  window  ^\ 

HALE. 
Aren't  you  ashamed  of  yourself? 

ALICE. 
No! 

HALE. 
[Laughingly.']  Then  I  won't  come  back  ! 

ALICE. 
Very  well,  sir,  don't ! 

HALE. 
What  reward  will  you  give  me,  if  I  do  ? 

ALICE. 
[Thinks  a  second^  This  button  ! 

HALE. 

Good  !  [Putting  his  hands  on  window  ledge,  springs  in.  He  holds 
out  his  hand  for  the  button. ,]  Give  it  to  me  ! 

[  43  ] 


N  a  than    Ha  I  e 


ALICE. 

[f easing^  pretends  to  be  sad  and  repentant^  First  I  must  make  a 
confession. 

HALE. 
[Depressed."]  Go  on. 

ALICE. 
And  tell  you  whom  I  kissed. 

HALE. 

[More  depressed."}  Well  ? 

ALICE. 
You  '11  forgive  me  ? 

HALE. 
[Desperate,  between  his  teeth^\  Yes ! 

ALICE. 

[Looks  up,  smiling  mischievously .]  It  was  Uncle  Knowlton  !  [Hale 
starts,  looks  at  her  a  moment,  comprehends,  then  laughs .] 

HALE. 

You  little  devil,  you  !  To  tease  your  true  love  out  of  his  wits. 
But  I  will  make  you  regret  it  —  I  have  been  very  ill  in 
Connecticut. 

ALICE. 

That 's  why  you  were  there  so  long !  \AH  her  teasing  humor 
vanishes,  and  for  the  rest  of  the  aft  Alice  is  serious.  From  this  mo 
ment  in  the  play  the  woman  in  her  slowly  and  finally  usurps  the 
girl.-] 

HALE. 

Yes.  As  soon  as  I  was  able  I  came  on  here.  I  Ve  been  out  of 
the  fighting  long  enough. 

ALICE. 

Fighting !  Is  there  to  be  another  battle  at  once  ?  Is  that  what 
this  conference  is  for  ? 

HALE. 

I  don't  know,  but  we  must  attack  or  we  '11  be  driven  entirely 
out  of  New  York,  as  we  were  out  of  Boston. 

[44] 


Act    Second 


ALICE. 

General  Washington  has  twenty  thousand  men  ! 

HALE. 

Yes,  with  no  arms  for  half  of  them,  and  two-thirds  undrilled. 
Good  Heavens,  the  patient  courage  of  that  man  !  Each  defeat, 
he  says,  only  trains  his  men  the  better,  and  fits  them  for  win 
ning  victory  in  the  end  !  But  General  Howe  has  crossed  now  to 
Long  Island  with  thirty  thousand  British  soldiers. 

ALICE. 
Oh,  this  dreadful  war !  When  will  it  end  ? 

HALE. 

Not  till  we  Ve  won  our  freedom,  or  every  man  among  us  is  dead 
or  jailed  ! 

ALICE. 

That 's  the  horror  that  comes  to  me  at  night,  Nathan.  I  see  you 
starving,  choking,  in  some  black  hole,  with  one  of  those  brutes 
of  a  red  coat  over  you,  or  worse, — lying  on  the  battlefield, 
wounded,  dying,  and  away  from  me  !  There  's  one  horrible  dream 
that  comes  to  me  often  !  It  came  again  last  week  !  I  'm  in  an 
orchard,  and  the  trees  are  pink  and  white  with  blossoms,  and 
the  birds  are  singing,  and  the  air  is  sweet  with  spring;  then 
great  clouds  of  smoke  drift  through,  and  the  little  birds  drop 
dead  from  their  branches,  and  the  pink  petals  fall  blood-red  on 
the  white  face  of  a  soldier  lying  on  the  ground,  and  it 's  you  — 
[/;/  a  hysterical  frenzy. ~]  you  ! !  And — then  I  wake  up,  and 
oh,  my  God !  I  'm  afraid  some  day  it  will  happen  !  Nathan ! 
Nathan  ! 

HALE. 

My  darling,  my  darling  !  It 's  only  a  war  dream,  such  as  comes 
to  every  one  in  times  like  these!  [Taking  her  in  his  arms  and 
comforting  her.~\ 

ALICE. 

Yes,  and  how  often  they  prove  true!  Oh,  Nathan,  must  you  go 
on  fighting  ? 

[45  ] 


N  a  than    Ha  I  e 


HALE. 

Alice ! 

ALICE. 

Yes,  yes,  of  course  you  must.  I  know  we  need  every  man  we 
have  and  more  !  Ah,  if  only  I  were  one,  to  fight  by  your  side, 
or  even  a  drummer-boy  to  lead  you  on  !  \_She  adds  with  a  slight 
smile,  and  a  momentary  return  to  her  girlish  humor,  and  quickly, 
in  a  confidential  tone,  as  if  she  were  telling  a  secret,']  I  would  be 
very  careful  where  I  led  you !  Not  where  the  danger  was  greatest, 
I  '11  warrant !  [She  returns  to  her  former  serious  mood.~]  Nathan, 
listen.  Promise  me  one  thing, — that  when  you  do  go  back  to 
the  fighting,  you  won't  expose  yourself  unnecessarily. 

HALE. 

[Smiling."]  My  dear  little  woman,  I  don't  know  what  you  mean ! 

ALICE. 

Yes,  you  do  !  You  must !  It  isnt  a  foolish  thing  I  'm  asking ! 
And  I  ask  it  for  your  love  of  me  !  You  must  fight,  of  course, 
and  I  want  you  to  fight  bravely — you  couldn't  do  otherwise, 
that  you  Ve  proved  time  and  again  !  Well,  let  it  be  so  !  Fight 
bravely  !  But  promise  me  you  won't  let  yourself  be  carried  away 
into leadingsome forlorn  hope,  that  you  won't  risk  your  precious 
life  just  to  encourage  others!  Remember,  it 's  my  life  now!  Don't 
volunteer  to  do  more  than  your  duty  as  a  soldier  demands, — 
not  more,  for  my  sake.  Don't  willingly  place  the  life  I  claim  for 
mine  in  any  jeopardy  your  honor  as  a  soldier  does  not  make 
imperative.  Will  you  promise  me  that  ? 

HALE. 
Yes,  dear,  I  will  promise  you  that. 

ALICE. 
That  you  won't  risk  your  life  unnecessarily!  Swear  it  to  me! 

HALE. 
[Smiling.']  By  what  ? 

ALICE. 
[Very  serious.']  By  your  love  for  me,  and  mine  for  you. 

[46] 


Act    Second 


HALE. 

[Serious.']  I  swear  it ! 

ALICE. 

Ah,  God  bless  you  !  [/#  the  greatest  relief  \  and  with  joy,  she  goes 
to  embrace  him,  but  they  stand  apart,  startled  by  a  loud  knocking 
of  the  iron  knocker  on  the  front  door  of  the  house.] 

HALE. 
The  men,  beginning  to  come  for  the  conference  ! 

ALICE. 
Oh,  I  wish  I  could  stay  !  Can't  I  stay  ? 

HALE. 

No.  No  women  can  be  present. 

ALICE. 
If  I  asked  Uncle? 

HALE. 

He  hasn't  the  power ! 

[Colonel  Knowlton  and  Captain  Adams  come  into  the  room  from 

upstairs] 

COLONEL   KNOWLTON. 

Ah,  Hale,  you  're  in  good  time  !  [Shakes  his  hand,  and  Hale 
passes  on  and  shakes  Captain  Adams's  hand,  as  Jasper  ushers  in  three 
other  men  in  uniform,  who  are  greeted  cordially  by  Colonel  Knowlton, 
and  who  pass  on  in  turn  to  Captain  Adams  and  Hale,  with  whom 
each  also  shakes  hands.  Meanwhile,  Alice,  seeing  she  is  unobserved, 
steals  to  the  big  window  recess,  where  she  conceals  herself  behind  the 
curtains.  While  the  men  are  greeting  each  other  with  the  ordinary 
phrases,  Jasper  speaks  at  the  door,  right] 

JASPER. 

[Shaking  his  head]  What  a  pity  Colonel  Knowlton  was  down 
already  !  Ole  Jasper  was  jes'  a  countin'  on  gittin'  another  kiss  ! 
[Starts  to  go  out,  but  stops  to  hold  door  open,  saying,]  This  way,  gem- 
men,  if  you  please.  [Hull,  a  handsome  young  officer,  Hale's  age, 
and  another  man  in  uniform  enter.  'They  greet,  first  Colonel  Knowl 
ton  and  then  the  others] 

[47] 


N  a  than    Ha  I  e 


COLONEL   KNOWLTON. 
Jasper,  arrange  the  chairs  and  table  for  us. 

JASPER. 

Yaas,sir.  [He  goes  about  the  room  arranging  chairs  and  talking  aloud 
to  himself.  Places  table  for  Colonel  Knowlton  at  right,  with  a  chair 
behind  it,  and  groups  the  other  chairs  in  a  semicircle  on  the  left.  Three 
more  men  come  in  together  and  two  separately,  each  one  shaking  hands 
all  around,  and  always  with  Colonel  Knowlton/rj/.]  Lor'  save  us, 
ef  I  knows  how  to  arrange  chahs  for  dis  hyah  meetin'  !  It  ain't 
exackly  a  gospel  meetin',  no  yetwise  a  funeral.  Mo'  like  a 
funeral  'n  anything  else,  I  reckon  !  Funeral  o'  dat  tha  British 
Lion.  [Moving  the  table -.]  Dat 's  the  place  for  the  corpse.  {Pla 
cing  a  chair  behind.']  Dat 's  fo'  the  preacher,  and  these  hyah 
other  chahs — [With  a  final  arrangement  of  the  chairs.']  is  fo'  de 
mourners  !  Guess  dey  's  mighty  glad  to  get  red  o'  sech  a  pesky 
ole  relation,  seems  as  ef  she  want  de  mother  country,  but  mo* 
like  de  mother-in-law  country,  to  ole  Jasper's  mind.  [At  this 
moment  Colonel  Knowlton,  looking  up,  sees  that  all  is  ready.'] 

COLONEL   KNOWLTON. 

[With  a  motion  to  the  men,  and  to  the  chairs^]  Brother  soldiers !  [They 
take  their  places  in  the  chairs  according  to  their  military  rank,  Hale 
in  the  last  row  behind  all  the  others.  Colonel  Knowlton  takes  his  chair 
behind  the  table.  Jasper  draws  the  heavy  brocade  curtains  in  front 
of  the  window  recess,  and  in  so  doing  discovers  Alice.  He  starts,  but, 
with  her  finger  on  her  lips,  she  motions  him  to  be  silent.  None  of  the 
others  know  she  is  there.  Tom  Adams  enters  in  Continental  soldier  s 
uniform.  He  gives  the  military  salute^ 

TOM. 
Uncle,  may  I  be  present  ? 

COLONEL   KNOWLTON. 

Yes,  my  boy,  if  no  one  has  any  objection.  [He  looks  at  the  other 
men,  but  they  all  murmur, "  Oh,  no,  no,"  and  "  Certainly  not,"  and 
Tom  takes  his  place  beside  Hale  at  the  backl\  That  is  all,  Jasper, 
and  we  are  not  to  be  interrupted. 

[48] 


Act    S  e  c  o  n  d 


JASPER. 
Yaas,  sir. 

COLONEL   KNOWLTON. 
Not  on  pain  of  imprisonment,  Jasper. 

JASPER. 

Nobody  's  not  gwine  to  get  into  this  hyah  room,  Colonel,  with 
ole  Jasper  outside  the  door,  not  even  King  George  hisself,  honey. 
\lVith  a  stolen  look  toward  the  window  where  Alice  is  hiding,  he 
goes  out,  right.  A  moment's  important  silence.  'The  men  are  all  com 
posed,  serious.'] 

COLONEL  KNOWLTON. 

\_Who  has  taken  a  letter  from  his  pocket."]  Gentlemen,  I  will  first 
read  you  portions  of  a  letter  from  General  Washington  to  Gen 
eral  Heath,  forwarded  to  me  with  the  request  from  headquarters 
that  I  should  summon  you  here  to-day.  [He  reads.]"  The  fate  of 
thewholewardependsuponobtainingintelligence  of  the  enemy's 
motions;  I  do  most  earnestly  entreat  you  and  General  Clinton 
to  exert  yourselves  to  accomplish  this  most  desirable  end.  I  was 
never  more  uneasy  than  on  account  of  my  want  of  knowledge 
on  this  score.  //  is  vital."  [He  doses  the  letter,  and  places  it  in  his 
breastpocket^]  Gentlemen,  General  Heath,  General  Clinton,  and 
General  Washington  together  have  decided  there  is  but  one  thing 
to  be  done.  \_A  moment1  s  paused]  A  competent  person  must  be 
sent,  in  disguise,  into  the  British  camp  on  Long  Island  to  find 
out  these  secrets  on  which  depends  everything!  It  must  be  a  man 
with  some  experience  in  military  affairs,  with  some  scientific 
knowledge,  a  man  of  education,  one  with  a  quick  eye,  a  cool 
head,  and  courage, — unflinching  courage!  He  will  need  tact  and 
caution,  and,  above  all,  he  must  be  one  in  whose  judgment  and 
fidelity  the  American  Nation  may  have  implicit  confidence  !  I 
have  summoned  those  men  associated  with  me  in  the  command 
of  our  army  whom  I  personally  think  capable  of  meeting  all 
these  requirements.  To  the  man  who  offers  his  services,  in  com 
pensation  for  the  risks  he  must  run,  is  given  the  opportunity  of 
serving  his  country  supremely  !  Does  any  one  of  the  men  of  this 

[  49  ]    • 


N  a  than    Ha  I  e 


company  now  before  me  volunteer  ?  [He  ends  solemnly  and  most 
impressively.  'There  is  a  long  -pause,  the  men  do  not  move,  and  keep 
their  faces  set,  staring  before  them.  After  waiting  in  vain  for  some 
one  to  speak,  Knowlton  continues I\  Not  one?  Have  I  pleaded  so 
feebly  in  behalf  of  my  country  then?  Or  have  I  failed  in  placing 
her  dire  necessity  before  you?  Surely  you  don't  need  me  to  tell 
you  how  our  Continental  Army  is  weak,  wasted,  unfed,  un 
clothed,  unsupplied  with  ammunition.  We  could  not  stand  a 
long  siege,  nor  can  we  stand  a  sudden  combined  attack.  We 
must  know  beforehand  and  escape  from  both,  should  either  be 
planned  !  After  fighting  bravely,  as  we  have,  are  we  to  lose  all 
we  have  gained,  the  liberty  within  our  grasp,  at  this  late  day  ? 
No!  One  of  you  will  come  forward!  What  is  it  your  country 
asks  of  you  ?  Only  to  be  a  hero  ! 

HULL. 
No!  To  be  a  spy  !  [A  murmur  of  assent  from  the  men.'] 

CAPTAIN  ADAMS. 

There  's  not  a  man  amongst  us  who  wouldn't  lead  a  handful  of 
men  against  a  regiment  of  the  English !  who  wouldn't  fight  for 
liberty  in  the  very  mouth  of  the  cannon!  but  this  is  a  request 
not  meant  for  men  like  us. 

HULL. 
[Looking at  the  other  men.~\'We  are  all  true  patriots  here,  I  take  it ! 

ALL. 
Aye  !  Aye  !  Patriots  ! 

HULL. 

[Appealing  to  the  men.~\  Are  we  the  men  to  be  called  on  to  play  a 
part  which  every  nation  looks  upon  with  scorn  and  contumely? 

ALL. 
No  !  No ! 

HULL. 

[Turning  again  to  Knowlton.]  I  would  give  my  life  for  my  coun 
try,  but  not  my  honor ! 

ALL. 
Hear!  Hear! 

[50] 


Act    Second 


COLONEL   KNOWLTON. 
But,  do  you  understand  ?  Do  you  realize  all  that 's  at  stake  ? 

ALL. 
Yes  !  Yes  ! 

COLONEL   KNOWLTON. 

Then  surely  one  of  you  will  come  forward  in  response  to  this 
desperate  appeal  from  your  chief.  In  the  name  of  Washington, 
I  ask  for  a  volunteer!  [He  waits.  Silence  again.  He  rises.']  Men! 
Listen  to  me!  Shall  our  fathers  and  brothers  killed  on  the  field 
of  battle  be  sacrificed  for  nothing?  Will  you  stand  still  beside 
their  dead  bodies  and  see  our  hero,  George  Washington,  shot 
down  before  your  eyes  as  a  traitor?  Will  you  accept  oppression 
again  and  give  up  Liberty  now  you  've  won  it?  Or  is  there, in  the 
name  of  God,  one  man  among  you  to  come  forward  with  his 
life  and  his  honor  in  his  hands  to  lay  down,  if  needs  be,  for  his 
country?  [After  a  short  pause,  Hale  rises,  pale,  but  calm.~\ 

HALE. 

/  will  undertake  it!  [General  surprise  not  unmixed  with  conster 
nation,  and  all  murmur,  questioningly ,  "Hale!"  A  short  pause '.] 

COLONEL   KNOWLTON. 
Captain  Nathan  Hale — [Hale  comes  forward^ 

CAPTAIN  ADAMS. 

[Interrupting,  rises. ]  I  protest  against  allowing  Captain  Hale  to 
go  on  this  errand! 

HULL. 
And  I! 

ALL. 
And  I !  And  I ! 

CAPTAIN  ADAMS. 

Captain  Hale  is  too  valuable  a  member  of  the  army  for  us  to 
risk  losing.  [He  turns  to  Hale.]  Hale,  you  can't  do  this!  You 
haven't  the  right  to  sacrifice  the  brilliant  prospects  of  your  life! 
The  hopes  of  your  family,  of  your  friends,  of  us,  your  fellow- 
soldiers!  Let  some  one  else  volunteer;  you  must  withdraw  your 
offer.  [A  second's  pause.  All  look  at  Hale  questioningly^ 

[51  ] 


Nathan    Hale 


HALE. 
[Quietly.]  Colonel  Knowlton,  I  repeat  my  offer! 

CAPTAIN  ADAMS. 

[Rising,  excitedly. ,]  No !  We  are  all  opposed  to  it !  Surely  we  have 
some  influence  with  you !  It  is  to  certain  death  that  you  are  need 
lessly  exposing  yourself! 

HALE. 
Needlessly? 

HULL. 

[Also  rising,  excitedly. ~\  It  is  to  more  than  certain  death,  it  is  to 
an  ignominious  one!  Captain  Hale,  as  a  member  of  your  own 
regiment,  I  ask  you  not  to  undertake  this !  [Hale  shakes  his  head 
simply. ,]  We  will  find  some  one  else!  Some  one  who  can  be  more 
easily  spared.  [Here  he  loses  his  manner  of  soldier,  and  speaks  im 
pulsively  as  a  boy.~]  Nathan — dear  old  man! — We  were  school 
boys  together,  and  for  the  love  we  bore  each  other  then,  and 
have  ever  since,  for  the  love  of  all  those  who  love  you  and 
whom  you  hold  dear,  I  beg  you  to  listen  to  me! 

HALE. 

[Looks  at  Hull  with  a  smile  of  affection  and  gratitude,  and  turns 
to  Knowlton.]  I  understand,  sir,  there  is  no  one  else  ready  to 
perform  this  business? 

COLONEL   KNOWLTON. 
I  must  confess  there  is  no  one,  Captain. 

HALE. 

Then  I  say  again,  I  will  go. 

TOM. 

[Hurry  ing  forwardl\  Mr.  Hale !  —  Sir!  —  Captain !  [Seizes  H  ale's 
handj\  For  the  sake  of  my  sis  —  [He  is  interrupted  quickly  and 
suddenly  by  Hale,  who  places  his  hand  on  his  mouth  to  prevent  his 
speaking  the  rest.  Hale  takes  a  long  breath,  sets  his  face,  then  gives 
Tom's  hand  a  mighty  grip,  and  puts  him  behind  himJ\ 

HALE. 

[Who  is  much  moved,  but  gradually  controls  himself ^\  Gentlemen, 


Act    Second 


I  thank  you  all  for  the  affection  you  have  shown  me,  but  I  think 
I  owe  to  my  country  the  accomplishment  of  an  object  so  im 
portant  and  so  much  desired  by  the  commander  of  her  armies. 
I  am  fully  sensible  of  the  consequences  of  discovery  and  capture 
in  such  a  situation,  but  I  hold  that  every  kind  of  service  neces 
sary  for  the  public  good  becomes  honorable  by  being  necessary  I 
And  my  country's  claims  upon  me  are  imperious! 
[Unnoticed  by  the  men,  Alice  draws  aside  the  curtains  and  comes 
slowly  forward  during  Colonel  Knowlton's  following  speech.'] 

COLONEL   KNOWLTON. 

[Rises,  and  going  to  Hale,  shakes  his  hand  with  deepfeeling.^  Manly, 
wise,  and  patriotic  words,  sir,  which  I  am  sure  your  country  will 
not  forget!  I  —  I  will  call  for  you  this  afternoon  to  appear  be 
fore  Washington.  Gentlemen,  this  conference  is  finished.  \A 
general  movement  of  the  men  is  immediately  arrested  by  Alice's 
voiced] 

ALICE. 
No!  It  is  not! 

CAPTAIN  ADAMS. 

Alice!  [Alice  is  white,  haggard,  "beside  herself."  She  is  oblivious 
of  all  but  Hale.  She  goes  to  him,  and,  seizing  his  wrist \  holds  it  in 
a  tight  but  trembling  grasp.~\ 

ALICE. 
[In  a  low,  hoarse  whisper •.]  Your  promise  to  me !  Your  promise ! 

HALE. 

[Surprised^]  Do  you  hold  me  to  it? 

ALICE. 
Yes! 

HALE. 

Then  I  must  break  it! 

ALICE. 

No!  I  refuse  to  free  you.  You  have  given  two  years  of  your 
life  to  your  country.  It  must  give  me  the  rest.  It 's  my  share! 
It 's  my  right !  [She  holds  out  her  two  arms  toward  him.~\ 

[53  ] 


N a  than    Ha  le 


HALE. 

Still,  I  must  do  my  duty. 

ALICE. 
[Her  hands  drop  to  her  side.~\  And  what  about  your  duty  to  me! 

HALE. 

[fakes  one  of  her  hands,  and  holds  it  in  his  own.~]  Could  you  love 
a  coward? 

ALICE. 
Yes,  if  he  were  a  coward  for  my  sake. 

HALE. 

I  don't  believe  you! 

ALICE. 
It  is  true,  and  if  you  love  me  you  '11  stay! 

HALE. 

If — if  I  love  you! 

ALICE. 

Yes,  if  you  love  me!  Choose!  If  you  go  on  this  mission,  it  is 
the  end  of  our  love !  Choose !  [_She  draws  away  her  hand.^ 

HALE. 

There  can  be  no  such  choice, — it  would  be  an  insult  to  believe 
you. 

ALICE. 

\In  tearful,  despairing  entreaty. ,]  You  heard  them — it 's  to  death 
you  're  going. 

HALE. 
Perhaps — 

ALICE. 
\In  a  whisper '.]  You  will  go  ? 

HALE. 
I  must! 

ALICE. 
\^A  wild  cry.~\  Then  I  hate  you! 

[54] 


Act    Second 


HALE. 

And  I  love  you,  and  always  will  so  long  as  a  heart  beats  in  my 
body.  [He  wishes  to  embrace  her.^ 

ALICE. 

No !  [She  draws  back  her  head,  her  eyes  blazing,  she  is  momentarily 
insane  with  fear  and  grief  and  lo-ve.  Hale  bows  his  head  and  slowly 
goes  from  the  room.  Alice,  with  a  faint,  heart-broken  cry^  sinks 
limply  to  the  floor ,  her  father  hurrying  to  he*  as  the  Curtain  Falls.~[ 


f55  J 


/A*      Third 


Act  the    Third 


The   First    Scene 


SEPTEMBER,   1776.  Long  Island,  opposite  Norwalk. 
The  Widow  Chichester's  Inn.  Time:  Night.  A  party  of 
British  officers  and  soldiers,  including  Cunningham,  and 
also  some  men  in  civilian  s  dress  are  discovered  drinking,  the 
Widow  serving  them.  At  the  curtain  they  are  singing  a  jolly  drinking 
song.  As  the  Widow  refills  each  mug,  each  soldier  takes  some  slight 
liberty  with  her,  pinches  her  arm,  or  puts  his  arm  about  her  waist, 
or  kisses  her  wrist,  or  "  nips  "  her  cheek ;  she  takes  it  all  good- 
naturedly,  laughing,  and  sometimes  slapping  them,  or  pushing  them 
away,  and  joining  them  in  their  song.  At  the  end  of  the  song  Fitzroy 
swaggers  in  by  the  door  on  the  right.  He  is  greeted  with  shouts  and 
cheers.  The  Widow  has  gone  behind  the  bar. 

CUNNINGHAM. 

\Seated  on  the  corner  of  the  table,  which  is  at  the  left.~\  Here  's  a 
man  for  a  toast!  A  toast,  Major! 

ALL  THE  SOLDIERS. 
[Rapping  the  table  with  their  mugs.']  A  toast!  A  toast! 

FITZROY. 

For  God's  sake,  give  me  stuff  to  drink  it  in !  [Leaning  with  his 
back  against  the  bar.~]  I  've  a  hell's  thirst  in  my  throat.  [The 
Widow  is  ready,  as  he  speaks,  to  fill  his  glass  across  the  bar.  As 
she  is  filling  it  he  kisses  her  roughly,  and  she,  to  elude  him,  moves 
and  thus  spills  half  the  liquor;  he  tries  to  seize  her,  but  she  pushes 
him  off.'] 

WIDOW. 

Enough  of  that!  Kiss  the  liquor — it 's  your  equal!  [The  soldiers 
are  laughing,  singing,  and  filling  their  mugs.] 

[59] 


N a  than    PI  a  I  e 


FlTZROY. 

Ain't  she  coy,  the  Widow  Chic!  Well,  boys, — here  you  are  to 
our  Royal  Master!  Long  life  to  King  George! 

WIDOW  AND  ALL. 

[Holding  up  their  glasses  and  rising.^  Long  life  to  King  George ! 
Hip!  Hip!  {All  drink,  and  then  sit  down  again,  some  of  the  men 
going  on  with  the  songj] 

FlTZROY. 

Here  's  another! 

CUNNINGHAM. 
Give  us  a  wench  this  time! 

ALL. 
Yes,  a  wench!  Give  us  a  wench's  name! 

FIRST  SOLDIER. 
Yes,  if  you  can't  give  us  the  wench  herself,  give  us  her  name  ! 

FlTZROY. 

[By  their  table '.]  What 's  the  matter  with  the  Widow  for  a  wench? 
{All  laugh,  including  Fitzroy,  who  jeers  derisively. ~\ 

WIDOW. 

{Coming  to  Fitzroy.]  You  're  a  gallant  soldier  to  poke  fun  at  the 
woman  who  supplies  you  with  drink !  I  've  been  hugged  many 
a  time  by  your  betters!  {A  general  murmur  of  approval  from  the 
soldiers,  "Right  for  the  widdy!"  etc.,  etc.~] 

FITZROY. 

[Bowing  low,  with  mock  courtesy,  and  taking  his  hat  off  as  he  bows.~\ 
I  ask  pardon  of  your  Highness!  [All guffaw.  She  makes  a  mock 
ing  bob  curtsey  and  goes  back  to  the  bar.~] 

CUNNINGHAM. 
Go  on  with  the  toast,  we  're  thirsty. 

ALL. 

[Shouting  and  pounding  on  the  table.']  Your  toast !  Your  toast !  {As 
they  shout,  Hale  enters,  from  the  right,  very  quietly  and  goes  to  the 
bar.  He  is  dressed  in  a  citizen  s  dress  of  brown  cloth  and  a  broad- 

[60] 


Act     Third 


brimmed  hat.  No  notice  is  taken  of  him  except  by  the  Widow,  who 
gives  him  a  mug  and  a  drink  and  watches  him  a  little  curiously 
through  the  scene] 

FITZROY. 
Here  's  death  to  George  Washington! 

ALL. 

Hurrah!  Death  to  George  Washington! 

[Hale  has  suddenly  fixed  his  eyes  en  Fitzroy,  and  shows  that  he  finds 
something  familiar  in  his  voice  and  manner,  and  is  trying  to  recall 
him.  Hale  has,  at  the  giving  of  this  toast,  lost  control  of  his  muscles 
for  a  moment,  — lost  hold  of  his  mug,  it  drops,  and  the  liquor  spills. 
As  the  others  put  their  mugs  down,  Hale  is  stooping  to  pick  up  his. 
'The  noise  when  he  dropped  the  mug  and  his  following  action  bring 
him  into  notice.  He  comes  forward  as  Fitzroy  goes  up  stage. ~\ 

CUNNINGHAM. 
Hello!  Who's  this? 

ALL. 

Hello!  Hello!  [Fitzroy  doesn't  pay  much  attention;  he  is  talking 
with  the  Widow  at  the  bar] 

HALE. 

Gentlemen,  I  am  an  American,  loyal  to  the  King,  but  of  very 
small  account  to  His  Majesty. 

CUNNINGHAM. 
{Tipping  back  his  chair. ~\  What's  your  name? 

HALE. 
Daniel  Beacon. 

FIRST  SOLDIER. 
What's  your  business  here? 

HALE. 
I  'm  a  teacher,  but  the  Americans  drove  me  out  of  my  school. 

CUNNINGHAM. 

[Crossing  behind  Hale  to  the  bar,  where  he  gets  another  drink.] 
For  your  loyalty,  eh? 

[61  ] 


Nathan    Hale 


HALE. 

Yes — for  my  loyalty. 

FIRST  SOLDIER. 
[Bringing  his  fist  down  hard  on  the  table. ~\  The  damned  rebels! 

HALE. 

I  am  in  hopes  I  can  find  a  position  of  some  sort  over  here. 

WIDOW. 

[Who  has  been  half  listening. ~]  Can't  you  teach  these  soldiers  some 
thing?  Lord  knows  they  're  ignorant  enough.  [Comes  out  from 
behind  the  bar  and  places  a  big  flagon  of  wine  on  the  table.  'Takes  away 
the  empty  flagon. .] 

FIRST  SOLDIER. 
Widdy !  Widdy !  [AH  laugh.  Fitzroy  joins  them  again.'] 

WIDOW. 

[Behind  the  men  at  tabled]  Well,  have  you  heard  what  the  Major 
here  says — you  drunken,  lazy  sots? 

CUNNINGHAM. 
What's  that? 

FITZROY. 
General  Howe's  new  plans.  [The  men  lean  over  the  table  to  hearJ] 

CUNNINGHAM. 

Are  we  to  make  a  move?  [Fitzroy  nods  his  head  impressively  sev 
eral  times.  The  men  look  at  each  other  and  nod  their  heads.] 

WIDOW. 

[Poking  Cunningham  with  her  elbow."]  Bad  news  for  you,  lazy  ! 
Lord  !  How  the  fellow  does  love  the  rear  rank. 

CUNNINGHAM. 
Shut  up  !  Let 's  hear  the  news ! 

WIDOW. 
You  've  a  nice  way  of  speaking  to  ladies ! 

CUNNINGHAM. 
[Growls  in  disgust.']  Bah  ! 

[6*] 


Act    T h  i r  d 


FlTZROY. 

It  comes  straight  from  headquarters  !  [The  men  gather  more  closely 
about  Fitzroy,  Hale  with  them,  with  calm,  pale  face,  showing  his 
suppressed  excitement.  Fitzroy  continues  in  lower  tonesJ]  General 
Howe  is  going  to  force  his  way  up  the  Hudson  and  get  to  the 
north  of  New  York  Island.  [An  instantaneous  expression  of  fear 
crosses  Hale's/^.] 

CUNNINGHAM. 
[Grunts.']  Huh  !  What 's  that  for? 

WIDOW. 
Ninny  ! 

FITZROY. 
Use  your  brains  ! 

WIDOW. 
[Laughing^]  Use  his  what? 

FITZROY. 

Hush,  Widow  Chic  !  If  we  can  get  to  the  north  of  New  York 
Island  without  their  being  warned,  we  '11  catch  Washington 
and  cage  what  is  practically  the  whole  American  army  !  They  '11 
have  to  surrender  or  fight  under  odds  they  can  never  with 
stand. 

FIRST  SOLDIER. 
Well  !  What 's  to  prevent  the  scheme  ? 

FITZROY. 
Nothing,  unless  the  Americans  should  be  warned. 

CUNNINGHAM. 

If  they  have  an  inkling  of  it  they  can  prevent  us  getting  up  the 
Hudson,  eh  ? 

FITZROY. 

Precisely.  In  any  case  if  they  're  warned  it  won't  be  tried,  be 
cause  Washington  wouldn't  be  trapped  and  after  all  Wash 
ington  is  the  man  we  want  to  get  hold  of. 

CUNNINGHAM. 
Wring  Washington's  damned  neck,andwe  won't  have  any  more 

of  this  crying  for  liberty  ! 


Nathan    Hale 


FlTZROY. 

The  expedition  is  planned  for  to-morrow  night,  and  there  's 
practically  no  chance  for  him  to  be  warned  before  then. 

FIRST  SOLDIER. 
Have  you  authority  for  this,  sir? 

FITZROY. 

The  orders  are  being  issued  now, — it 's  been  an  open  secret 
among  the  men  for  two  days.  Down  at  the  Ferry  Station  the 
betting  is  this  business  finishes  the  rebellion.  [The  Widow,  in 
answer  to  a  signal  from  one  of  the  men,  comes  out  from  behind  the 
bar,  with  another  flagon  of  wine]  They  're  giving  big  odds. 

CUNNINGHAM.  r 

Can't  finish  it  too  soon  to  please  me.  [Rises  unsteadily]  Fight-  . 
ing  's  dangerous  work  ! 

WIDOW. 
[Filling  his  cup]  That 's  a  brave  soldier  for  ye  ! 

CUNNINGHAM. 
Shut  up,  damn  you  ! 

WIDOW. 
I  '11  shut  when  I  please. 

CUNNINGHAM. 
You  '11  shut  when  I  say  !  You  old  hag  ! 

WIDOW. 
"Hag!"  [Slaps  his  face.]     - 

CUNNINGHAM. 

Hell !  [Throws  the  wine  in  his  mug  in  her  face.  Hale,  who  has 
sprung  up,  knocks  his  mug  out  of  his  hand  with  a  blow] 

HALE. 

You  coward !  [All  the  soldiers  show  excitement.  Several  rise.  Widow 
goes  to  the  bar,  wiping  the  wine  from  her  face ;  she  is  crying,  but 
soon  controls  herself] 

CUNNINGHAM. 
What  damn  business  is  it  of  yours  ? 


Act    Third 

HALE. 
It 's  every  man's  business  to  protect  a  woman  from  a  brute  ! 

CUNNINGHAM. 
Hear  the  pretty  teaching  gentleman  quote  from  his  reader ! 

FITZROY. 
[Rises.  He  has  noticed  Hale/0r  the  first  timeJ]  Who  is  this? 

HALE. 
Daniel  Beacon. 

CUNNINGHAM. 
A  teacher  the  Rebs  have  driven  out  of  New  York. 

FITZROY. 

\WTio  has  looked  at  Hale  curiously,  turns  to  the  Widow.]  Have 
"you  ever  seen  him  before  ? 

WIDOW. 
Not  to  my  knowledge. 

FITZROY. 

[At  the  bar  with  the  Widow.]  There  's  a  something  about  him 
damn  familiar  to  me.  I  'm  suspicious  !  Here  you,  Beacon,  how 
do  we  know  you  're  not  some  Rebel  sneak  ? 

ALL. 
[Rising.']  What 's  that  ? 

CUNNINGHAM. 

That 's  true  enough  !  What 's  your  opinions  ? 

ALL. 

Make  him  speak  !  Make  him  speak.  [A general  movement  among 
the  soldiers.'] 

FITZROY. 
Yes,  if  you  are  a  loyalist,  give  us  a  taste  of  your  sentiments ! 

CUNNINGHAM. 
A  toast  will  do!  Give  us  a  toast!  [¥ \teroy  turns  aside  to  the  Widow.] 

ALL. 

[In  a  general  movement,  seizing  Hale  they  put  him  on  top  of  table. ~] 
Come  on,  give  us  a  toast ! 


N a  than    Ha  le 


FlTZROY. 

['To  the  Widow.]  I  'm  suspicious  of  this  fellow  !  I  Ve  seen  him 
somewhere  before.  [He  looks  at  Hale  attentively,  unable  to  recall 
him.'} 

ALL. 
Give  us  a  rouser!  There  you  are!  Now  give  us  something  hot! 

CUNNINGHAM. 
A  toast  for  the  King,  and  then  one  with  a  wench  in  it. 

HALE. 

Here 's  a  health  to  King  George  !  May  right  triumph  and 
wrong  suffer  defeat ! 

ALL. 

Hip  !  Hip  !  To  the  King !  [All  drink  except  Hale,  who  only 
-pretends,  which  Fitzroy,  who  is  watching  intently,  notices^ 

FlTZROY. 

[To  the  Widow.]  He  didn't  drink  !  I  am  sure  of  it ! 

WIDOW. 
Nof/thinkhe^W/ 

CUNNINGHAM. 
Now  for  the  wench  ! 

HALE. 

To  the  Widow  Chic — God  bless  her.  [All  laugh  except  Cun 
ningham,  who  says,  "Bah  !"  and  ostentatiously  spills  his  liquor  on 
the  floor '.] 

HALE  AND  ALL. 

The  Widow  Chic  !  Hip  !  Hip  !  [All  drink,  and  then,  the  soldiers 
take  Hale  down,  and  all  talk  together,  slapping  each  other  on  the 
back,  drinking,  starting  another  song,  etc.  Hale  sits  by  the  tableJ] 

FlTZROY. 

[To  the  Widow,  suddenly I\  By  God  !  Now  I  know  !  [In  a  'voice 
of  conviction  and  alarm .] 

WIDOW. 
[Frightened  by  his  voice  and  manner :]  What? 

[66] 


Act    Third 


FlTZROY. 

Who  he  is  !  He  's  my  girl's  white-livered  lover,  one  named 
Hale! 

WIDOW. 
Are  you  sure  ?  • 

FlTZROY. 

Almost, — and  if  I  'm  right,  he  's  doing  spy's  work  here  !  Get 
plenty  of  liquor;  if  we  can  drug  him  he  may  disclose  himself! 
Anyway,  we  '11  loosen  his  tongue  !  [Widow  exits  at  back,  with 
an  empty  flagon.  Fitzroy  joins  Hale  and  the  other  soldiers-  as  he 
does  so,  Hale  rises;  he  has  grown  uneasy  under  Fitzroy's 
scrutiny  J\ 

HALE. 

Well,  gentlemen,  I  must  retire  for  the  night.  I  haven't  a 
soldier's  throat  for  wine. 

CUNNINGHAM. 

Good  !  So  much  the  better — the  more  for  us  !  [Hale  goes 
toward  the  door  at  back ;  Fitzroy,  from  the  right,  goes  at  the  same 
time  to  meet  him.  They  meet  at  the  door,  back] 

FlTZROY. 

Still,  won't  you  stay  and  have  a  game  with  us  ? 

HALE. 

I  think  you  must  excuse  me. 

FITZROY. 

[Angry]  You  're  afraid  to  stay,  you  're  afraid  to  drink,  for  fear 
we  '11  find  out  the  truth  as  to  who  you  are  !  [The  Widow  comes 
in  with  more  liquor,  puts  it  on  the  table,  and  takes  the  empty  flagon 
to  the  bar] 

HALE. 

[Laughs.]  Oh,  that 's  it,  is  it !  Very  well,  then  I  '11  stay  !  [He 
sits  again  at  the  table.  The  soldiers  start  up  singing  "  The  Three 
Grenadiers."  They  all  sing  and  drink.] 

FlTZROY. 

[Interrupts  them]  Stop  singing  a  moment !  Fill  up,  everybody  ! 


N  a  than    Ha  le 


I  have  a  bumper  or  two  to  give  in  honor  of  our  guest  here  ! 
\He  stands  on  a  chair  with  one  foot  on  the  table,  watching  Hale 
closely  ^\  Here  's  to  New  London,  Connecticut,  and  the  school- 
house  there ! 

•    CUNNINGHAM. 
Damn  silly  toast ! 

HALE. 

Never  you  mind,  it 's  an  excuse  for  a  drink  !  [All  repeat  the  first 
part  of  toast,  but  they  are  getting  thick-tongued,  and  all  come  to 
grief  over  the  word  "Connecticut"  Hale  has  answered  Fitzroy's 
look  without  flinching,  but  has  managed  to  spill  his  liquor.  All  re 
fill  their  glasses,  singing. ,] 

FlTZROY. 

Here  's  another  for  you.  The  toast  of  a  sly  wench,  and  a  prim 
one,  who  flaunts  a  damned  Yankee  lover  in  my  face  !  But 
I  've  kissed  her  lips  already,  and  before  I  'm  through  with  her, 
if  she  won't  be  my  wife,  by  God,  I  '11  make  her  my  mistress. 
Drink  to  my  success  with  the  prettiest  maid  in  the  colonies  ! 
— Alice  Adams  ! 

ALL. 

To  Alice  Adams  !  Hip  !  Hip  !  [All  hold  up  their  glasses  with 
loud  cries  and  then  drink.  Hale  again  manages  to  spill  his  liquor 
and  pretends  to  drink.  Fitzroy  jumps  down  from  the  chair  and  table 
to  beside  Hale.] 

FITZROY. 

[Loudly,  fiercely  to  Hale.]  You  didn't  drink  !  I  watched  your 
damned  throat  and  not  a  drop  went  down  it !  \_General  move 
ment  of  the  soldiers.  All  rise-,  excitement^ 

ALL. 

Show  us  your  cup  !  Show  us  your  cup  !  [Hale,  with  a  sneering 
laugh,  holds  his  glass  above  his  head  and  turns  it  upside  down-,  it 
is  empty, ,] 

CUNNINGHAM. 

What 's  the  matter  with  you  ?  He  knows  good  liquor  when  he 
tastes  it !  [All  laugh  drunkenly ;  general  movement  again.  All  re- 

[68  ] 


Act    Third 


take  their  seats,  and  continue  singing.  Hale  looks  defiantly  in  Fitz- 
roy'sface,  and  throws  his  cup  on  the  floor •.] 

HALE. 

Good  night,  gentlemen  ! 

ALL. 

[Drunkenly.~]  Good  night,  good  night!  [Hale  goes  out  by  the  door 
at  back,  shown  by  the  Widow,  who  exits  with  him,  taking  a  can 
dle.  One  of  the  soldiers  is  asleep ;  Cunningham  is  on  the  floor ;  an 
other  under  the  table-,  they  are  singing  in  a  sleepy,  drunken  way. 
Fitzroy  writes  a  letter  rapidly  on  paper,  which  he  finds  on  the  cor 
ner  of  the  bar.  When  he  is  finished^ 

CUNNINGHAM. 

[On  the  floor,  his  head  and  arms  on  the  chair,  whining  J]  I  'm 
thirsty  !  Won't  some  kind  person  please  give  me  a  drink  ? 

FITZROY. 

[Kicking  him  with  his  foot  to  make  him  get  up.~\  Get  up  !  Get  up, 
I  say  !  I  have  an  errand  for  you  ! 

CUNNINGHAM. 
[Rising,  steadies  himself  against  the  chair.']  What  is  it? 

FITZROY. 
This  man  is  a  spy  — 

CUNNINGHAM. 

Hurrah  !  \Waves  the  arm  with  which  he  was  steadying  himself, 
almost  loses  his  balance^  We  '11  hang  him  up  to  the  first  tree  ! 

FITZROY. 

Wait !  We  must  prove  it  first,  and  I  have  thought  of  a  plan. 
Take  a  horse  and  ride  like  hell  to  the  Ferry  Station.  Cross  to 
New  York  and  give  this  letter  to  General  Howe.  He  will  see 
that  you  are  conducted  to  a  Colonel  Knowlton's  house,  with 
a  letter  from  him  to  a  young  lady  who  is  staying  there. 

CUNNINGHAM. 

\Who  is  a  little  drunk,  throwing  back  his  shoulders  and  swagger 
ing  a  bit.']  A  young  lady  !  Ah,  Major,  you  Ve  hit  on  the  right 
man  for  our  business  this  time. 


N a  than    Ha  I e 


FlTZROY. 

Don't  interrupt,  you  drunken  fool  !  but  listen  to  what  I  am 
telling  you.  The  letter  will  say  that  Captain  Nathan  Hale  is 
here  wounded  and  wishes  to  see  his  sweetheart,  Alice  Adams, 
before  he  dies.  If  you  are  questioned  corroborate  that,  you  un 
derstand  !  A  young  man  named  Hale  is  here  wounded  !  That 's 
who  the  fellow  upstairs  is,  I  'm  very  well  nigh  certain  !  The 
girl 's  in  love  with  him,  she  '11  come  !  and  if  it  is  Hale  we  've 
got  here,  we  're  likely  to  know  it — if  it  is  n't,  well,  no  harm 
done  ! 

CUNNINGHAM. 
Very  pretty  !  Just  the  kind  of  business  I  like. 

FITZROY. 

Your  password  on  this  side  will  be  <cLove*'  Are  you  sober 
enough  to  remember  that  P 

CUNNINGHAM. 

[In  a  maudlin  voiceJ]  "  Love  ! "  You  do  me  an  injustice,  Major  ! 
[With  a  half -tipsy  effort  at  dignity^ 

FITZROY. 

Mind  you  don't  speak  my  name.  You  come  at  General  Howe's 
orders. 

CUNNINGHAM. 

Diplomacy  was  always  my  forte.  Fighting  's  much  too  common 
work  ! 

FITZROY. 

Go  on  now.  There  's  no  time  to  be  lost !  I  want  the  girl  here 
by  daybreak,  before  the  dog  's  up  and  off. 

CUNNINGHAM. 
You  guarantee,  Major,  that  the  girl's  pretty? 

FITZROY. 

Burning  on  him.~\  What !  None  of  that !  She  's  my  property  ! 
You  'd  better  not  forget  that.  No  poaching  on  my  preserves  ! 

CUNNINGHAM. 
[Dogged. .]  I  understand,  sir.  [Salutes  and  exits.  All  the  soldiers 

[70] 


Act    Third 


are  asleep.  The  Widow  comes  back.  Fitzroy  turns  a  chair  to  face 
the  fire I\ 

FITZROY. 
Bring  more  liquor.  [He  throws  himself  into  the  chair.'} 

WIDOW. 
More  ?  at  this  hour  P 

FITZROY. 

[Loosening  his  neck  gear.}  Yes,  enough  to  last  till  morning.  [To 
himself.}  I  warned  her  some  day  I  would  set  to  and  drink  my 
self  mad  for  her  !  And  the  time  's  come  !  [The  stage  darkens.] 


The    Second    Scene 


OUTSIDE  the  Widow  Chichester's.  Very  early  the  next 
morning.  The  scene  represents  the  front  of  the  house,  a 
low,  rambling  structure  of  gray  stone,  with  a  porch 
and  a  gabled  roof,  in  which  is  the  window  of  Fitzroy1  s 
bed-room.  There  is  a  well-sweep  on  the  left,  and  a  sign-post  beside 
the  road.  There  are  trees  and  shrubs  on  each  side.  It  is  just  at  sun 
rise.  As  dawn  begins  a  cock  is  heard  crowing  behind  the  house,  an 
swered  by  a  second  cock  and  by  others.  The  sun  rises  and  floods  the 
scene. 

The  Widow  is  heard  unbolting  the  door,  and  comes  out  on  to  the 
porch,  carrying  the  mugs  of  the  night  before,  which  she  has  washed 
and  which  she  places  on  a  bench  in  the  sun.  A  bugle  call  is  heard, 
and  while  she  is  arranging  the  mugs,  three  soldiers  come  out  from 
the  house. 

THE  THREE  SOLDIERS. 

[On  the  porch,  saluting  with  elaborate  politeness^}  Good  morning, 
Widow  Chic. 

WIDOW. 
[Imitating  their  salute.}  God  bless  you  and  King  George  !  [The 

[71  3 


N a  than    Ha  I  e 


soldiers  leave  porch  and  start  off,  right.]  Where  are  you  off  to  this 
early  ? 

FIRST  SOLDIER. 

[As  he  speaks,  all  three  stop  and  turn.']  On  picket  duty,  between 
here  and  the  Ferry  Station.  The  Major's  orders.  [Fitzroy  ap 
pears  in  the  upstairs  window,  opening  the  shutters-,  he  is  without 
his  coat-,  he  is  dishevelled  and  bloated;  he  looks  as  if  he  had  not  been 
to  bed.'] 

FITZROY. 

Here  you  men  !  No  loitering !  You  Ve  no  time  to  lose  !  Re 
member  you  're  to  pass  no  one  but  the  girl,  Alice  Adams,  with 
Cunningham.  If  she  's  brought  any  one  with  her,  man,  woman, 
or  child,  don't  let  Jem  pass. 

THE  THREE  SOLDIERS. 
[Salute. ~]  Yes,  sir.  [They  start  to  go.] 

FITZROY. 
Burnham  ! 

FIRST  SOLDIER. 
[Salutes."]  Yes,  sir  ? 

FITZROY. 
Have  you  your  bugle  with  you  ? 

FIRST  SOLDIER. 
Yes,  sir. 

FITZROY. 

Well,  you  change  with  Smith,  then;  take  his  position  nearest 
to  the  Ferry,  and  sound  a  warning  the  moment  they  pass,  that 
I  may  know  here  they  're  coming,  and  be  ready. 

FIRST  SOLDIER.. 
[Salutes.]  Yes,  sir. 

FITZROY. 

That 's  all.  [The  three  soldiers  salute  and  go  off  down  the  road,  right. 
Fitzroy  calls,~\  Widow  Chic  ! 

WIDOW. 

[Coming  down  from  the  porch,  and  looking  up  at  Fitzroy.]  Yes, 
Major. 


Act    Third 


FlTZROY. 

We  're  going  to  have  some  pretty  sport  here  presently. 

WIDOW. 

I  hope  it 's  no  harm  to  the  young  teacher  who  took  my  part 
last  night,  sir. 

FITZROY. 

Damme  !  You  're  sweet  on  him,  too  !  He  's  quite  a  lady-killer. 
[He  laughs  satirically  and  disappears  from  the  window^  leading  the 
shutters  open.  Hale  opens  the  door  and  comes  out  on  to  the  porch. ] 

HALE. 
Good  morning,  madam. 

WIDOW. 

\_With  a  curtsey]  Good  morning,  sir;  the  Lord  bless  you  and 
King  George. 

HALE. 

Ahem  !  By  the  way,  where  is  my  horse  ?  Has  she  had  a  good 
night  ? 

WIDOW. 

She's  tethered  right  there,  sir.  [Pointing  off,  right.]  In  the 
bushes.  It 's  the  best  I  could  do,  having  no  barn.  I  told  the 
boy  to  feed  her  the  first  thing,  sir.  [Hale^^j  to  the  right  as  she 
speaks.  The  Widow  stands  watching  him] 

HALE. 

[Passes  out  of  sight  among  the  trees  and  bushes]  Ah  !  Betsy,  old 
girl !  [He  is  heard  patting  the  horse]  How  is  it,  eh  r  Had  a  good 
night,  my  beauty  ?  Hungry  ?  Oh,  no,  you  Ve  had  your  break 
fast,  haven't  you  ?  [He  is  heard  patting  her  again]  That 's  good  ! 
Be  ready  to  start  in  a  few  minutes  now.  [He  comes  back  into 
sight]  Will  you  kindly  ask  the  boy  to  saddle  her  at  once, 
madam  ? 
[Fitzroy  comes  out  on  to  the  porch] 

WIDOW. 
Certainly,  sir.  [Goes  into  house] 

FITZROY. 
Good  morning. 

[73  ] 


Nathan    Hale 


HALE. 
Good  morning. 

FITZROY. 

^Leaning  against  a  pillar  of  the  porch .]  I  have  a  pleasant  surprise 
for  you. 

HALE. 

\$uspicioti$i  walking  slowly  across  the  stage  to  hide  his  nervousness.^ 
Tha,.  is  a  sufficient  surprise  in  itself. 

FITZROY. 
I  am  expecting  a  visitor  for  you  every  moment  now. 

HALE. 

[Involuntarily  stops  a  second  and  turns. ~\  A  visitor  ?  \He  continues 
walking^ 

FITZROY. 
For  you. 

HALE. 
\More  suspicious,  but  on  his  guard. ~]  Who  ? 

FITZROY. 

Alice  Adams.  [Hale  does  not  make  any  movement,  but  he  cannot 
avoid  an  expression  of  mingled  fear  and  surprise  fashing  across  his 
face  —  it  is  so  slight  that  though  Fitzroy  does  see  it,  he  cannot  be 
sure  that  it  is  anything.  Hale  continues  to  walk,  returning  from 
left  to  right.  Fitzroy  comes  down  from  the  porch  and  meets  Hale  as 
he  crosses.^  You  change  color. 

HALE. 

[Quietly,  himself  again  completely.^  Do  I  ?  \Walks  on  toward 
right.-] 

FITZROY. 
[Looking  after  him.']  Yes — Nathan  Hale  ! 

HALE. 
{Walks  on  with  his  back  to  Fitzroy.]  Nathan  what? 

FITZROY. 

Nathan  Hale  !  And  you  are  here  stealing  information  of  our 
movements  for  the  rebel  army  !  If  I  can  only  prove  it — [Be 
is  interrupted.^ 

[  74  ] 


Act    Third 


HALE. 

[Turning  sharply, .]  If! 

FlTZROY. 

And  I  will  prove  it ! 

HALE. 
[Walking  towards  Fitzroy,  now  from  right l.]  Indeed  !  How? 

FITZROY. 

If  Cunningham  has  carried  out  my  instructions,  he  has  gone  to 
Alice  with  a  note  from  General  Howe  saying  that  Nathan  Hale 
is  wounded  and  dying  here  and  wishes  to  see  her  !  I  think  that 
will  bring  her  readily  enough  —  in  which  case  we  ought  to  hear 
them  pass  the  sentinels  any  moment  now  !  [A  short  pause, 
Fitzroy  watching  for  the  effetl  on  Hale  of  every  word  he  speaks. 
They  stand  face  to  face. ~] 

HALE. 

And  who  is  Nathan  Hale  ? 

FITZROY. 

A  damned  rebel  fool  the  girl 's  sweet  on.  If  you  are  he,  and 
she  is  brought  face  to  face  with  you,  alive,  whom  she  fears  to 
find  dead,  she  's  sure  to  make  some  sign  of  recognition,  if  I 
know  women,  and  that  sign  will  cost  you  your  life  ! 

HALE. 

It 's  a  dastardly  trick  to  make  such  use  of  a  woman. 

FITZROY. 

All 's  fair  in  love  and  war,  and  this  is  a  case  of  both,  for  I  love 
the  girl,  too. 

HALE. 

And  if  I  'm  not —  \_Hesitates.~]  what 's  his  name —  [Fitzroy 
sneers.'}  the  man  you  think  me  ? 

FITZROY. 

Oh,  well  then,  no  harm  's  done.  Meanwhile  you  needn't  try  to 
get  away  before  she  comes.  I  've  placed  pickets  all  about  with 
orders  who  's  to  pass  and  not.  [The  Widow  comes  from  the  house 
carrying  a  horse's  saddle^ 

[75  J 


Nathan    Hale 


WIDOW. 

That  boy  's  gone  to  the  village;  I  will  have  to  saddle  your  horse 
myself,  sir.  [Going  toward  the  right '.] 

FlTZROY. 

[Passing  behind  Hale  to  the  Widow.]  I  'm  hungry,  Widow 
Chic  !  Is  there  a  swallow  of  coffee  and  a  bite  of  bread  ready  ? 
I  haven't  time  for  more.  \With  a  meaning  look  toward  Hale.] 

WIDOW. 
Yes,  in  the  kitchen. 

FITZROY. 

[Goes  on  to  the  porch,  and  there  turns  on  the  steps  to  say  to  Hale,] 
Don't  be  alarmed,  I  won't  miss  your  meeting;  I  shall  be  on 
hand.  [Goes  into  the  house."] 

HALE. 

[Quickly  going  after  Widow.  In  half-lowered  tones  and  showing 
suspense  and  suppressed  excitement. ~\  Madam  ! 

WIDOW. 
Yes,  sir  ? 

HALE. 

[Taking  her  by  the  arm  kindly '.]  Dear  madam,  you  thanked  me 
last  night  for  striking  that  dog  of  a  soldier  who  had  his  cup 
raised  against  you — 

WIDOW. 

Ah,  sir,  it 's  many  a  day  since  I  've  been  protected  by  any 
man,  let  alone  a  handsome  young  beau  like  you,  sir.  \With  a 
curtsey.~\ 

HALE. 

[50WJ.]  Thank  you,  madam.  Will  you  also  do  me  a  favor  in 
return  ? 

WIDOW. 
That  I  will,  sir. 

HALE. 
Then  quick,  leave  the  saddle  by  the  horse  to  arrange  on  your 

[76] 


Act    Third 


return,  and  go  a  bit  down  the  road  toward  the  Ferry  Station. 
Wait  there  !  When  you  see  Cunningham  — 

WIDOW. 

The  brute  who  wanted  to  strike  me  ! 

HALE. 

Yes  !  —  riding  along  with  a  girl,  make  some  motion  to  her, 
wave  your  hand  or  kerchief  or  something.  Do  anything  to  attract 
her  attention,  if  possible,  without  attracting  his,  and  at  the  same 
time  place  your  fingers  on  your  lips — so  !  \Showing  her.~\  You 
don't  understand  !  and  neither  will  she,  perhaps.  But  a  life  is 
at  stake,  and  it 's  a  chance,  and  my  only  one — 

WIDOW. 
Wave  my  hand,  and  do  so  ? 

HALE. 

Yes.  She  is  the  girl  I  love,  madam,  and  I  ask  you  to  do  this 
for  me. 

WIDOW. 
And  sir,  I  will.  [Hale  starts  and  listens  as  if  he  heard  something.'] 

HALE. 

Quick  !  Run,  for  the  love  of  God,  or  you  may  be  too  late  !  [The 
Widow  hurries  off,  right.  The  saddle  is  heard  falling  in  the  bushes 
where  she  throws  it.  Hale  shakes  his  head  doubtfully  as  to  the  suc 
cess  of  his  plan;  he  goes  to  the  right  and  speaks  to  the  horse.]  Betty  ! 
Ah  !  Bless  your  heart !  Be  ready,  old  girl.  I  may  need  you  soon 
to  race  away  from  death  with  !  Be  ready,  old  girl.  [During  the 
end  of  this  speech  Fitzroy  comes  out  on  to  the  porch  carrying  a  cof 
fee  bowl  in  his  hand,  from  which  he  drinks.  He  doesnt  hear  Hale's 
wordsl\ 

FITZROY. 

That 's  a  good  horse  of  yours,  Mr.  Beacon.  [Drinks  the  coffee. 
Hale  starts  very  slightly  and  turns,  looks  scornfully  at  Fitzroy,  and 
crosses  stage  slowly .]  Our  friends  are  late  !  [He  starts  to  drink 
again,  but  just  as  the  bowl  touches  his  lips,  a  far-off  bugle  call  of 

[77] 


N  a  than    Ha  le 


warning  is  heard.  Both  Hale  and  Fitzroy  start  and  stand  still, 
except  that  very  slowly  the  hand  with  the  bowl  sinks  down  from 
Fitzroy's  lips,  as  the  head  very  slowly  lifts,  his  eyes  wide-open,  a 
smile  of  expeftant  triumph  on  his  face.  Hale  is  at  the  left,  Fitzroy 
is  on  the  porch  steps,  as  the  bugle  stops.  Fitzroy  hurls  away  the  bowl, 
from  which  some  coffee  is  spilled  and  which  is  broken  as  it  strikes, 
while  he  cries  out,']  They  're  coming  !  [He  comes  down  the  steps .] 

SECOND  PICKET'S  VOICE. 
[Off  stage,  right,  at  a  far  distance :]  Who  goes  there? 

CUNNINGHAM. 

[Far  off^\  Charles  Cunningham,  with  Miss  Alice  Adams,  on 
private  business. 

SECOND  PICKET. 
Your  password  ? 

CUNNINGHAM. 

"  Love  ! "  [In  a  sneering  voice.  Fitzroy  listens  till  Cunningham's 
reply  is  finished,  then  turns  quickly  to  look  at  Hale,  whose  face  shows 
nothing.  'The  sound  of  the  horse *s  hoofs  is  heard  coming  nearer  and 
nearer.  After  a  few  seconds  the  third  picket  is  heard^\ 

THIRD  PICKET. 
[Off 'stage  at  a  distance^  Who  goes  there? 

CUNNINGHAM. 

\Nearer^\  Charles  Cunningham,  with  Miss  Alice  Adams,  on 
private  business. 

THIRD  PICKET. 
Your  password  ? 

CUNNINGHAM. 

[Again  in  a  sneering  voice. ]  "  Love ! "  [The  horse's  hoofs  are 
heard  coming  closer  and  then  stop.  'There  is  the  noise  of  dismount 
ing  in  the  bushes  7\  Here  !  just  tie  these  safe  !  Come  along  now, 
miss  !  [Cunningham  and  Alice  come  on,  right.  Alice's  eyes  fall  first 
on  Fitzroy.] 

ALICE. 
You  here  !  [Fitzroy  doesn  t  answer,  but  turning  his  face  and  eyes 

[78] 


Act    Third 


to  Hale  dire  Els  with  his  hand  Alice's  gaze  in  that  direction,  and 
then  he  quickly  turns  his  eyes  upon  Alice,  to  watch  her  face.  She  very 
slowly  follows  his  glance  to  Hale,  rests  her  eyes  on  his  a  full  minute 
without  making  any  recognition,  and  then  turns  to  Cunningham.] 

ALICE. 

Where  is  Captain  Hale?  Why  don't  you  take  me  to  him  at 
once? 

FITZROY. 

[In  a  rage.~^  She  's  been  warned  !  Who  's  spoiled  my  plot !  [Go 
ing  menacingly  to  Cunningham.  At  this  attion  there  is  one  moment 
when  unseen,  Alice  and  Nathan's  eyes  can  seek  each  other  ^  but  only 
for  a  moment '.] 

CUNNINGHAM.  . 
Not  I  !  It  has  spoiled  my  fun,  too. 

FITZROY. 

[To  Alice.]  That 's  your  lover,  and  you  know  it.  I  only  saw 
him  a  few  moments  in  his  schoolhouse,  but  I  can't  have  so 
bad  a  memory  for  a  face  as  all  that.  [Widow  is  heard  singing 
"  The  Three  Grenadiers"  in  the  bushes  at  right,  where  she  is  tying 
the  horses.'] 

ALICE. 

They  told  me  Captain  Hale  was  here  and  dying  !  Who  played 
this  trick  on  me  ?  [Looking  blankly  at  Hale  and  then  at  Cun 
ningham  and  Fitzroy.] 

FITZROY. 
Well,  isnt  he  here?  [Motioning  to  Hale.] 

ALICE. 

[To  Fitzroy.]  It  was  you,  of  course  !  You  who  have  forced  me 
to  this  ride  through  the  night,  half  dead  with  fear,  and  all  for 
a  lie  !  Well,  mark  my  word,  you  will  lose  your  commission  for 
this  !  Rebels  or  no  rebels,  we  have  our  rights  as  human  beings, 
and  General  Howe  is  a  gentleman  who  will  be  the  first  to  pun 
ish  a  trick  like  you  have  played  on  a  woman  ! 

FITZROY. 
[Going  to  Alice.]  We  '11  see  what  General  Howe  will  do  when 

[79] 


N a  than    Ha  I  e 


I  give  into  his  hands  a  man  who  has  been  stealing  information 
of  our  movements  for  the  rebel  army,  who  has  been  working 
for  the  destruction  of  the  King's  men,  and  I  will  do  this  yet ! 
You  've  been  warned  by  some  one  !  I  '11  question  the  pickets, 
and  if  I  find  one  of  them  the  traitor —  [To  Hale,  crossing  before 
Alice.]  he  '11  hang  ahead  of  you  to  let  the  devil  know  you  're 
coming.  \_A  look  at  Hale,  then  he  re  crosses  before  Alice  to  Cun 
ningham.]  There  are  men  picketed  all  about — you  need  not 
hang  around  unless  you  want  to.  [Aside  to  Cunningham.]  I 
shall  steal  back  behind  the  house  and  watch  them  from  inside 
— make  some  excuse  to  go  in,  too.  I  want  you  ready  by  the 
door.  [He  goes  off,  right.'] 

ALICE. 

[To  Cunningham,  going  toward  him.~\  Aren't  you  going  to  take 
me  back  ? 

CUNNINGHAM. 

Well,  not  just  this  minute,  Mistress.  I  've  a  hankering  for  some 
breakfast,  when  the  Widow  Chic  comes  back.  [He  crosses  behind 
her,  strolls  about  in  earshot  and  out,  keeping  an  eye  on  them  every 
other  moment.  He  goes  first  to  the  old  well,  at  the  left^\ 

HALE. 

[To  Alice.]  You  were  brought  here,  Mistress  —  ? 

ALICE. 
\With  a  curtsey. ~\  Adams,  sir. 

HALE. 

Adams,  to  see  Captain  Hale?  I  used  to  know  him;  he  taught 
the  same  school  with  me.  [He  adds  quickly  in  a  low  voice,  Cun 
ningham  being  out  of  hearing^  A  woman  warned  you  P 

ALICE. 

[Low,  quickly^  Yes  !  [Then  aloud,  in  a  conventional  voice,  as  Cun 
ningham  moves.']  I  was  his  scholar  once. 

HALE. 
You  were  ? 

[  80] 


Act    Third 


ALICE. 

Yes,  in  many  things,  but  most  of  all  in  —  love  !  [Added  in  an 
undertone.  In  their  conversation  they  keep  a  constant  lookout  about 
them,  and  when  they  see  themselves  out  of  Cunningham's  hearing, 
they  drop  their  voices  a  little  and  speak  seriously.  In  Alice's  speech 
just  now  ;  for  instance,  she  adds  the  word  "love"  in  a  voice  full  of 
emotion  and  sentiment,  seeing  Cunningham  is  for  the  moment  out 
of  hearing.^ 

HALE. 

[Softly,  lovingly.^  Alice  !  [Cunningham  approaches^  You  found 
him  a  good  teacher  r  [Cunningham  £065  on  to  the  porch  and  opens 
the  top  part  of  the  door;  he  leans  on  lower  part,  looking  in;  he  is 
in  earshot  of  the  two,  which  they  perceived] 

ALICE. 
Yes,  in  love  only  too  proficient  ! 

HALE. 

Oh,  well  —  that  was  because  of  course  he  was  enamoured  desper 
ately  of  you  ! 

ALICE. 
[CoquettishlyJ]  He  pretended  so  ! 

HALE. 

[Seriously.  ~]  And  didn't  you  believe  him  ? 

ALICE. 
Oh,  I  did,  at  first  — 

HALE. 

\With  difficulty  keeping  the  anxiety  out  of  his  voice.  ,]  Only  at  first  ! 
[Cunningham  passes  on  out  of  hearing^  No  —  no  —  Alice,  you 
didn't  really  doubt  me  !  [Alice  cannot  answer,  because  the  Widow, 
singing,  enters  at  this  moment,  and  Cunningham  draws  near 


WIDOW. 

[To  Cunningham.]    Well,  you   brute,  your   horses  are  well 
pastured. 

[8!     ] 


Nathan    Hale 


CUNNINGHAM. 

I  give  you  damns  for  thanks  !  Have  you  food  for  a  brave  sol 
dier  in  the  house  ? 

WIDOW. 

No,  but  I  Ve  scraps  for  a  coward  who  strikes  women.  Come  in 
and  eat,  if  you  wish.  I  don't  let  starve  even  dogs  !  [Enters  the 
~ 


CUNNINGHAM. 

Seeing  you  press  me!  [Laughing,  follows  her  in.  Since  the  Widow's 
entrance,  Fitzroy  has  appeared  cautiously  in  the  second  story  win 
dow,  and  leaning  his  arm  out  softly  has  caught  hold  of  the  shutters 
and  bowed  them  shut.  He  watches  behind  them.  Alice  sits  on  the 
porch  steps,  pretending  to  be  bored,  and  Hale  moves  about  with 
affeffed  nonchalance.  The  moment  they  are  apparently  alone  on  the 
scene  ^  they  approach  each  other,  but  cautiously^ 

HALE. 

[Anxious^  Did  this  Hale  prove  himself  unworthy  of  you  by 
some  cowardly  action  ?  Had  you  any  reason  to  doubt  his 
passion  ? 

ALICE. 
He  broke  his  word  to  me;  that  made  me  doubt  his  love. 

HALE. 

But  you  are  still  betrothed  to  him  ? 

ALICE. 
Oh,  no;  when  he  broke  faith,  then  I  broke  troth. 

HALE. 

Yet  you  came  this  journey  here  to  see  him. 

ALICE. 
Out  of  pity  —  they  told  me  he  was  dying. 

HALE. 

[Low  voice.']  Are  you  in  earnest  ?  Was  it  pity,  or  was  it  love  ? 

ALICE. 
[With  a  frightened  look  about  her,  ignores  his  question^   I  can't 

[8a] 


Act    Third 


imagine  how  they  took  you  for  the  other  gentleman  —  Captain 
Hale  is  taller;  you,  I  think,  are  short. 

HALE. 

[A  little  sensitive.']  Short  ? 

ALICE. 

I  don't  want  to  hurt  your  feelings,  but  it 's  only  fair  to  you, 
sir,  in  this  dilemma,  to  be  frank.  It  may  save  your  life. 

HALE. 

[Distressed,  anxious,  lest  she  loves  him  no  longer. .]  You  came  to 
Captain  Hale  then  only  out  of  pity? 

ALICE. 

Out  of  pity,  yes!  And  now  "out  of  pity"  I  hope  this  ruffian 
will  take  me  back. 

HALE. 

\_In  a  low  voice,  his  passion  threatening  to  overmaster  him.~^  No, 
no,  say  it  isn't  true  !  You  love  me  still  ? 

ALICE. 
\_In  a  low  voice.~\  Be  careful,  the  very  trees  have  ears  ! 

HALE. 

If  they  have  hearts  of  wood  they  '11  break  to  hear  you  !  [Lean 
ing  over  her.~] 

ALICE. 

[Loud  voice,  frightened,  for  fear  they  are  being  overheard.^  Let 
me  pass,  sir ! 

HALE. 

[Desperate,  in  a  low  voice  full  of  passionate  love.']  No!  Look! 
We  're  alone  !  They  're  at  their  breakfast — you  drive  me  mad 
— only  let  me  know  the  truth  !  You  love  me  ? 

ALICE. 
Yes! 

HALE. 

[His  pent-up  passion  mastering  him.~]  My  darling!  For  just  one 
moment.  [Opening  his  arms,  she  goes  into  them,  and  as  they  embrace 
Fitzroy  throws  open  the  shutters  of  'his  window  and leaning  out  cries ,] 

[83  ] 


N a  than    Ha  le 


FlTZROY. 

I  arrest  you,  Nathan  Hale — 

ALICE. 
[Cries  out.']  My  God  ! 

FITZROY. 

—  In  the  name  of  the  King,  for  a  spy  !  [At  the  moment  that  he 
has  thrown  open  the  shutters  with  a  bang,  Cunningham  has  thrown 
open  the  door  below  and  stands  on  the  porch  levelling  his  musket  at 
Hale.] 

ALICE. 
[Cries  outJ]  Nathan  ! 

FITZROY. 

[Calls  down  to  Cunningham.]  If  he  attempts  to  escape,  fire. 
[Climbing  out  of  the  window  on  to  the  roof  of  the  porch,  and  flinging 
himself  off  by  -one  of  the  pillars^}  At  last !  I  Ve  won  !  Before  to 
day's  sun  sets,  you  will  be  hanged  to  a  tree  out  yonder,  Nathan 
Hale,  and  the  birds  can  come  and  peck  out  the  love  for  her  in 
your  dead  heart.  For  she  '11  be  mine  !  [Alice  starts,  frightened^ 
with  a  low  gasp.] 

HALE. 
Yours  ! 

FITZROY. 

Mine  !  [To  Alice.]  You  remember  I  told  you  once,  sometime 
I  'd  make  up  my  mind  I  'd  waited  long  enough  for  you  ?  Well, 
so  help  me  God,  I  made  up  my  mind  to  that  last  night !  [To 
Hale.]  You  leave  her  behind  !  But  you  leave  her  in  my  arms! 
[Seizing  Alice  in  his  arms  and  forcing  her  into  an  embrace^ 

ALICE. 

You  brute  !  [Fighting  in  his  arms.  Cunningham  has  put  his  hand 
on  H ale's  shoulder  to  keep  him  from  going  to  her  rescue.  Hale  has 
shown  by  the  movement  of  his  eyes  that  he  is  taking  in  the  situation, 
the  places  of  every  one,  etc.'] 

FITZROY. 

Look  !  [And  he  bends  Alice's  head  back  upon  his  shoulder  to  kiss 
her  on  the  lipsJ] 


Act    Third 


HALE. 

Blackguard  !  [With  a  blow  of  his  right  arm  he  knocks  Cunning 
ham  on  the  head,  who,  falling,  hits  his  head  against  the  pillar  of 
the  porch  and  is  stunned.  Meanwhile,  the  moment  he  has  hit  Cun 
ningham,  Hale  has  sprung  upon  Fitzroy,  and  with  one  hand  over 
his  mouth  has  bent  his  head  back  with  the  other  until  he  has  re 
leased  Alice.  Hale  then  throws  Fitzroy  down,  and  seizing  Alice 
about  the  waist  dashes  off  with  her  to  the  right,  where  his  horse  is. 
Fitzroy  rises  and  runs  to  Cunningham,  kicks  him  to  get  his  gun, 
which  has  fallen  under  him.~\ 

FITZROY. 

[Beside  himself  with  rage.~\  Get  up  !  Get  up  !  You  fool !  [Horse's 
hoofs  heard  starting  off^\ 

THIRD   PICKET'S  VOICE. 
[Off  stage. ~]  Who  goes  there? 

FITZROY. 

[Stops,  looks  up,  and  gives  a  triumphant  cry.~\  Ah  !  The  picket ! 
They  're  caught  !  They  're  caught ! 

HALE. 
Returning  with  Alice  Adams  on  private  business. 

PICKET. 
The  password. 

HALE. 
"Love!" 

FITZROY. 

Damnation  !  Of  course  he  heard  !  [Runs  off,  right,  yellingj]  Fire 
on  them  !  Fire  !  for  God's  sake,  fire  ! 

[A  shot  is  heard,  followed  by  a  loud  defiant  laugh  from  Hale,  and 
an  echoed  "  Love,"  as  the  clatter  of  horse's  hoofs  dies  away,  and  the 
Curtain  Falls.~\ 


[85] 


Nathan    Hale 


A   Second  Ending  to   the  Act 


It  was  found  on  performing. the  Play  that  this  ending  of  the  Afl,  in 
which  H ale's  pent-up  passion  overcame  his  control  and  made  him 
expose  himself  to  Fitzroy,  did  not,  as  the  theatrical  phrase  is,  "carry 
over  the  footlights.'"  In  consequence  a  new  ending  of  the  Aft  was  de 
vised^  which  proved  to  be  more  efeflive  theatrically.  In  this  second 
ending  Jasper  follows  his  mistress,  and  after  Alice  has  failed  to 
recognize  Nathan,  Fitzroy,  concealed  upstairs,  hears  the  servant 
being  stopped  and  questioned  by  the  pickets.  'The  Major  orders  Jasper 
brought  into  the  presence  of  himself  \  Alice,  and  Hale,  and  this  time 
his  scheme  is  successful ;  for  Jasper,  unwarned,  recognizes  Hale, 
and  from  the  recognition  the  remainder  of  the  A51  is  the  same. 


[86] 


Act      the     Fourth 


Act    the    Fourth 


The    First    Scene 

Saturday  night,  September  21,  1776.  The  tent  of  a  British 
officer.  Above  the  tent  is  seen  the  deep  blue  sky  full  of  stars, 
on  each  side  are  trees  and  bushes.  There  is  every  little  while 
the  noise  of  a  company  of  soldiers  encamped  close  by.  Hale 
is  seated  at  a  table  inside  the  tent  writing  letters  by  candle-light. 
Cunningham  is  outside  the  tent,  on  guard.  Cunningham's  head  is 
plastered,  where  he  struck  it  in  falling  when  Hale /<?//**/  him.  Cun 
ningham  paces  slowly  up  and  down. 

CUNNINGHAM. 
Writing  the  history  of  your  life  ? 

HALE. 

[Writing,  without  looking  up.~\  I  am  writing  a  letter  to  my  mo 
ther  and  sister. 

CUNNINGHAM. 

Yankees,  like  yourself,  I  presume  ! 

HALE. 
[Still  writing.]  Please  God  ! 

CUNNINGHAM. 
I  suppose  you  're  making  a  pretty  story  out  of  your  capture  ! 

HALE. 

No,  I  'm  only  telling  the  truth  —  that  I  got  the  best  of  two 
pretty  big  men,  yourself  and  Fitzroy.  [Half 'smiling.  This  is 
said  not  at  all  in  the  spirit  of  boasting,  but  only  to  ridicule  Cun 
ningham.] 

CUNNINGHAM. 

Yes,  and  don't  forget  to  add  how  you  were  captured  by  the 
picket  close  to  the  Ferry  Station. 

[89  ] 


N  a  than    Ha  le 


HALE. 

\_Looks  up.~\  Yes,  because,  hearing  Fitzroy's  cries,  the  picket 
threatened  if  I  didn't  stop  he  'd  shoot  the  girl  with  me. 

CUNNINGHAM. 
It  was  a  narrow  escape  for  us  ! 

HALE. 
[With  a  half-smile. ~\  But  too  broad  forme !  [Continues  his  writing.'] 

CUNNINGHAM. 
What  else  are  you  saying  ? 

HALE. 

[Writing  ^\  Oh,  that  I  was  taken  before  General  Howe,  who 
probably  only  does  what  he  feels  his  duty,  although  he  con 
demns  me  without  a  trial ! 

CUNNINGHAM. 

Yes,  but  with  plenty  of  evidence  against  you,  thanks  to  us  wit 
nesses  and  the  papers  found  in  your  shoes,  too  ! 

HALE. 

[Smiling  a  littleJ]  True,  I  walked  on  very  slippery  ground, 
didn't  I  ?  [He  comes  out  of  the  tent.~]  However,  you  didn't  find 
all  the  papers. 

CUNNINGHAM. 
[Surprised^  changes  his  position. ,]  What  do  you  mean? 

HALE. 

Oh,  the  men  were  so  taken  up  with  me  they  didn't  see  my 
friend  and  confederate  Hempstead,  who  was  waiting  by  the 
Ferry  Station  !  I  don't  mind  telling  you,  now  he  is  out  of 
danger,  the  only  paper  that  was  of  immediate  importance — 
the  plan  of  General  Howe's  attack  on  Washington  and  upper 
New  York — wrapped  nicely  in  a  leather  pouch,  I  dropped  in 
the  bushes  by  the  roadside  when  I  was  arrested.  [He  walks  a 
few  steps  toward  Cunningham  and  stops.  He  adds  cunningly,  try 
ing  to  get  information  out  of  him^\  That 's  why  the  attempt  to 
'force  the  Hudson  was  a  failure  ! 

CUNNINGHAM. 

[On  his  guard. ~]  Oh  !  was  there  such  an  attempt? 

[  90  ] 


Act    Fourt h 


HALE. 

[Goes  nearer  Cunningham,  desperately  anxious  to  know.]  Wasn't 
there  ? 

CUNNINGHAM. 

[Sneers."]  Don't  you  wish  you  knew  !  Go  on — make  haste  with 
your  scribbling  !  [Crosses  before  Hale  to  the  other  side.] 

HALE. 

\_Reentering  the  tent  and  taking  up  his  letter.~]  I  have  finished.  I 
do  not  find  your  presence  inspiring.  Have  you  a  knife  ? 

CUNNINGHAM. 
Yes. 

HALE. 
Will  you  lend  it  me  ? 

CUNNINGHAM. 
No  !  What  do  you  want  it  for  ? 

HALE. 

My  mother — [His -voice  breaks;  he  turns  his  back  to  Cunning- 
ham.]  poor  little  woman — wants  a  bit  of  my  hair.  [He  controls 
himself.']  Lend  me  your  knife  that  I  may  send  it  to  her. 

CUNNINGHAM. 

[Coming  to  Hale.]  Yes!  That's  a  fine  dodge!  And  have  you 
cut  your  throat  and  cheat  the  gallows  !  [Getting  out  his  knife, ] 
I  '11  cut  it  off  for  you,  shall  I  ? 

HALE. 

Thank  you.  [Holding  his  head  ready  ^  and  with  his  right  hand 
choosing  a  lock.~\ 

CUNNINGHAM. 
[Cuts  it  off 'roughly. ]  There  !  [Gives  it  to  him.] 

HALE. 

[Puts  the  hair  in  the  letter;  starts  to  fold  it.~]  May  I  have  a  chap 
lain  attend  me  ? 

CUNNINGHAM. 
A  what  ? 

HALE. 
A  minister  —  a  preacher  ! 

[91  ] 


Nathan    Hale 


CUNNINGHAM. 

No  !  Give  me  your  letter  if  it 's  finished.  [Hale  comes  out  from 
the  tent  and  hands  him  the  letter.  Cunningham  opens  the  letter.^ 

HALE. 
How  dare  you  open  that ! 

CUNNINGHAM. 
[_Sneeringly.~]  How  "dare"  I? 

HALE. 
You  shall  not  read  it ! 

CUNNINGHAM. 
Shan't  I  ! 

HALE. 

[Coming  nearer  Cunningham.]  No!  That  letter  is  my  good-bye 
to  my  mother,  who  for  the  sake  of  my  country  I  have  robbed 
of  her  "boy."  It  is  sacred  to  her  eyes  only  ! 

CUNNINGHAM. 
Is  it !  [Spreads  it  open  to  readl\ 

HALE. 

[Springs  toward  him,  his  hand  on  the  letter. .]  Stop  !  There  's  the 
mark  of  one  blow  I  Ve  given  you  on  your  forehead  now.  Dare 
to  read  that  letter,  and  I  '11  keep  it  company  with  another  !  I 
mean  it !  I  'm  not  afraid,  with  death  waiting  for  me  outside  in 
the  orchard  ! 

CUNNINGHAM. 

Either  I  read  it,  or  it  isn't  sent.  Take  your  choice  !  [Hale  looks 
at  Cunningham  a  moment, — a  look  of  disgust. ~\ 

HALE. 

[He  drops  Cunningham's  wrist. ~\  Read  it!  [He  walks  up  and  down 
as  Cunningham  reads.  lie  goes  to  right ;  speaks  to  some  one  out 
side^]  Sentinel ! 

SENTINEL. 

\Who  speaks  with  a  strong  Irish  accent,  outside. ~\  Yis  surr  !  \*The 
Sentinel  comes  on.~\ 

HALE. 
Ask  the  men  to  sing  something,  will  you  ? 

[9*  ] 


Act    Fourth 


SENTINEL. 

They  haven't  sung  to-night  purrposely,  surr,  fearing  it  would 
disturb  you. 

HALE. 

Thank  them  for  me,  and  say  I  'd  like  a  song  !  Something  gay  ! 
\_His  voice  breaks  on  the  word  "£"#}'."] 

SENTINEL. 

Yis,  surr,  but  I  'm  afraid  the  soldiers  haven't  much  spirits  to 
night.  They  're  regretting  the  woruk  of  sunrise,  surr. 

HALE. 

Well — let  them  sing  anything,  only  beg  them  sing — //'//  sun 
rise  ! 

SENTINEL. 

Yis,  surr.  [Hale  turns.  Cunningham  has  finished  reading  letter ; 
he  has  grown  furious  as  he  reads.  The  Sentinel  exits. ~\ 

CUNNINGHAM. 

Hell  fires!  Do  you  think  I  '11  let  these  damned  heroics  be  read 
by  the  Americans!  By  our  Lady!  they  shall  never  know  through 
me  they  had  a  rebel  amongst  them  with  such  a  spirit.  [He  tears 
the  letter  into  pieces  before  Hale.  The  soldiers  are  heard  singing, 
outside,  " Drink  to  me  only  with  thine  eyes."~\ 

HALE. 

You  cur  !  Not  to  send  a  dying  man's  love  home  !  [Goes  into  the 
tent.~] 

CUNNINGHAM. 
I  '11  make  a  coward  of  you  yet,  damn  you  ! 

HALE. 

You  mean  you  'lido  your  best  to  make  me  seem  one!  God  knows 
the  worst  I  have  to  suffer  is  to  spend  my  last  hours  with  a 
brute  like  you.  How  can  a  man  give  his  thoughts  to  heaven 
with  the  devil  standing  by  and  spitting  in  his  face !  [The  Sentinel 
comes  on  and  salutes.  Cunningham  speaks  with 

CUNNINGHAM. 
Hale,  you  have  visitors.  Will  you  see  them  ? 

[  93  ] 


Nathan    Hale 


HALE. 

Who  are  they  ? 

CUNNINGHAM. 
[To  the  Sentinel.]  Say  he  refuses  to  see  them. 

HALE. 
That 's  a  lie  !  I  haven't  refused  !  Who  are  they  ? 

CUNNINGHAM. 

They  come  from  General  Howe  ! 

HALE. 
Fitzroy  !  I  refuse  to  receive  him. 

CUNNINGHAM. 
[To  the  Sentinel.]  Say  he  refuses  to  receive  them. 

SENTINEL. 
But  it's  not  Major  Fitzroy,  surr;  it's  a  lady. 

HALE. 
What !  [On  his  guard  nowJ] 

CUNNINGHAM. 
[To  the  Sentinel.]  Damn  you,  hold  your  tongue ! 

SENTINEL. 
I  was  told  to  ansurr  all  the  prisoner's  quistions,  surr. 

HALE. 

[To  Cunningham,  coming  out  of  the  tent.~]  You  'd  cheat  me  of 
every  comfort,  would  you  ?  [To  Sentinel.]  Is  the  lady  young 
or — 

SENTINEL. 
\_Interr upti ng.~\  Young,  surr. 

HALE. 

[Under  his  breath,  scarcely  daring  to  believe  himself  or  the  soldier, 
yet  hoping.~]  Alice  !  [To  the  Sentinel.]  Is  she  alone  ? 

SENTINEL. 
No,  surr,  a  maid  and  a  young  man. 

HALE. 
[Again  under  his  breath, .]  Tom  ! 

[94] 


Act    Fou  rth 


SENTINEL. 

[Continues.']  The  young  gintleman  wishes  to  see  you  for  a  mo 
ment  fust  alone. 

HALE. 
Quickly  !  Show  him  in  ! 

SENTINEL. 
Yis,  surr.  [He  exits.~\ 

HALE. 

[To  Cunningham.]  What  a  dog's  heart  you  must  have  to  wish 
to  keep  even  this  from  me  ! 

CUNNINGHAM. 

Say  what  you  like,  one  thing  is  true:  I  'm  here  on  guard,  and 
any  comfort  that  you  have  with  your  sweetheart  must  be  in  my 
presence.  [He  chuckles.']  I  shall  be  here  to  share  your  kisses  with 
you.  [Goes  to  right  and  sits  on  the  stump  of  a  tree  there.  'The 
soldiers  sing  "Barbara  Allen."  The  Sentinel  shows  in  Tom 
Adams.] 

TOM. 
Nathan  ! 

HALE. 

Tom  !  [faking  his  hand,  Tom  throws  his  arm  about  Nathan's 
shoulder,  and  burying  his  head  sobs  a  boy's  tears,  Nathan  com 
forting  him,  for  a  moment,  thenJ] 

TOM. 
Nathan,  you  saved  the  States  ! 

HALE. 

\_Excited.~\  What  do  you  mean  ?  Was  there  an  attack  made  on 
Harlem  Heights  ? 

TOM. 
Yes! 

HALE. 
And  Washington? — Good  God,  don't  tell  me  he  was  captured! 

TOM. 
[More  excited, ,]  No,  of  course  not — thanks  to  your  information ! 

[95  ] 


N a  than    Ha  I  e 


HALE. 

[More  excited. ~]  Hemps tead  got  it,  then  ? 

TOM. 

Yes;  after  the  men  went  off  with  you  he  searched  the  spot,  think 
ing  perhaps  he  might  find  something  in  the  bushes,  and  he  did! 
he  came  across  your  wallet ! 

HALE. 
\_With  joy  ^  Ah! 

TOM. 

So,  when  the  British  tried  to  steal  up  the  Hudson  that  night, 
they  found  us  ready  and  waiting, —  [He  takes  off  his  hat  with  the 
manner  of  faying  homage,  of  being  bareheaded  in  Hales  presence.] 
your  name  on  everybody's  lips,  your  example  in  their  hearts  ! 

HALE. 

EStopping  Tom  modestly. .]  And  if  you   hadn't  been  warned  ? 
Putting  his  two  hands  on  Tom's  shoulders.~\ 

TOM. 

It  would  have  been  the  end  of  us,  Nathan.  Washington  him 
self  says  so  ! 

HALE. 

&is  if  to  himself,  dropping  his  hands,  half  turning^  I  'm  glad  I 
an't  die  for  nothing. 

TOM. 

Nothing  ?  Oh  !  Even  if  your  mission  had  been  a  failure  your 
example  has  already  worked  wonders — your  bravery  has  in 
spired  the  army  with  new  courage  ! 

HALE. 

[faking  his  arm  and  walking  up  and  down  with  him.~\  Sh  !  None 
of  that.  Talk  to  me  about  Alice.  She  is  here  ? 

TOM. 

General  Howe  has  given  her  permission  to  see  you,  but  only 
for  five  minutes.  Can  you  bear  it?  Will  you  bear  it  for  her  sake? 
\fhey  stop^\ 

HALE. 
Yes. 

[96] 


Act    Fo  ur  th 


TOM. 

\_Lookingat  Cunningham.]  Is  this  the  man  Cunningham  ?  [Hale 
nods."]  Alice  told  me  about  him  ;  we  heard  he  was  your  guard, 
and  she  has  General  Howe's  permission  to  choose  any  other 
soldier  to  take  his  place  inside  the  tent.  [Hale  looks  at  Cun 
ningham  with  a  smiled] 

CUNNINGHAM. 

[Rising.  To  the  Sentinel,  who  is  standing  at  one  side.~]  Have  you 
such  orders  ? 

SENTINEL. 
[Stepping  forward,  salutes. ~]  Yis,  surr. 

HALE. 

[To  the  Sentinel.]  Very  well,  we  '11  ask  you  to  stay  in  place  of 
Cunningham. 

SENTINEL. 
Yis,  surr. 

TOM. 

[To  Cunningham.]  Then  you  can  take  me  to  my  sister — now, 
at  once.  [Cunningham  crosses  to  Hale  and  speaks  to  him^] 

CUNNINGHAM. 

I  '11  be  back  on  the  minute  when  your  time  is  finished.  [He  goes 
out  with  Tom,  right.'] 

SENTINEL. 

[To  Hale.]  I  undershtand,  surr.  Don't  think  of  me  a  minute. 
I  must  shtay  in  the  tint,  of  course,  but  if  iver  a  man  could  git 
away  from  his  body,  I  '11  promise  you  to  git  away  from  moine  ! 
[Hale  smiles  his  thanks  and  shakes  the  Sentinel's  hand.  The 
soldiers  sing  the  air  of  what  is  now  called  "  Believe  Me  of  All 
Those  Endearing  Young  Charms"'  Hale  stands  listening  for  the 
sound  of  Alice's  coming.  The  Sentinel  retires  to  the  farther  corner 
of  the  tent  and  stands  with  arms  folded,  his  back  toward  Hale. 
Tom  comes  on  first,  bringing  Alice.  As  they  come  into  Hale's  pres 
ence,  Alice  glides  from  out  of  Tom's  keeping,  and  her  brother  leaves 
the  two  together.  They  stand  looking  at  each  other  a  moment  with 
out  moving,  and  then  both  make  a  quick  movement  to  meet.  As  their 

[97] 


N a  than    Ha  le 


arms  touch  in  the  commencement  of  their  embrace,  they  remain  in  that 
position  a  few  moments,  looking  into  each  other  s  eyes.  Then  they  em 
brace,  Hale  clasping  her  tight  inhis  arms  and  pressing  a  long  kiss  upon 
her  lips.  They  remain  a  few  moments  in  this  position,  silent  and  im 
movable.  Then  they  slowly  loosen  their  arms  —  though  not  altogether 
discontinuing  the  embrace  —  until  they  take  their  first  position  and 
again  gaze  into  each  other  s  faces.  Alice  sways,  about  to  fall,  faint 
from  the  effort  to  control  her  emotions,  and  Hale  -gently  leads  her  to 
the  tree  stump  at  right.  He  kneels  beside  her  so  that  she  can  rest  against 
him  with  her  arms  about  his  neck.  After  a  moment,  keeping  her  arms 
still  tight  about  him,  Alice  makes  several  ineffectual  efforts  to  speak, 
but  her  quivering  lips  refuse  to  form  any  words,  and  her  breath  comes 
with  difficulty.  Hale  shakes  his  head  with  a  sad  smile,  as  if  to  say, 
"  No,  dont  try  to  speak.  There  are  no  words  for  us"  And  again  they 
embrace.  At  this  moment,  while  Alice  is  clasped  again  tight  in  H  ale's 
arms,  the  Sentinel,  who  has  his  watch  in  his  hand,  slowly  comes 
out  from  the  tent.  Tom  also  r centers,  but  Hale  and  Alice  are 
oblivious.  Tom  goes  softly  to  them  and  touches  Alice  very  gently  on 
the  arm,  resting  his  hand  there.  She  starts  violently,  with  a  hysteri 
cal  drawing  in  of  her  breath,  an  expression  of  fear  and  horror,  as 
she  knows  this  is  the  final  moment  of  parting.  Hale  also  starts 
slightly,  rising,  and  his  muscles  grow  rigid.  He  clasps  and  kisses 
her  once  more,  but  only  for  a  second.  They  both  are  unconscious  of 
Tom,  of  everything  but  each  other.  Tom  takes  her  firmly  from 
Hale  and  leads  her  out,  her  eyes  fixed  upon  Hale's  eyes,  their  arms 
outstretched  toward  each  other.  After  a  few  pace's  she  breaks  forci 
bly  away  from  Tom,  and  with  a  wild  cry  of  "No  !  no  !"  locks 
her  hands  about  Hale's  neck.  Tom  draws  her  away  again  and  leads 
her  backward  from  the  scene,  her  eyes  dry  now  and  her  breath  coming 
in  short,  loud,  horror-stricken  gasps.  Hale  holds  in  his  hand  a  red 
rose  she  wore  on  her  breast,  and  thinking  more  of  her  than  of  himself, 
whispers,  as  she  goes,  "Be  brave  !  be  brave  !"  The  light  is  being 
slowly  lowered,  till,  as  Alice  disappears,  the  stage  is  in  total  darkness .] 


[98] 


Act  F  our  t  h 


The  Second  Scene 


COLONEL  RUTGER'S  Orchard,  the  next  morning. 
'The  scene  is  an  orchard  whose  trees  are  heavy  with  red 
and  yellow  fruit.  The  centre  tree  has  a  heavy  dark  branch 
jutting  out,  which  is  the  gallows ;  from  this  branch  all  the 
leaves  and  the  little  branches  have  been  chopped  off;  a  heavy  coil  of 
rope  with  a  noose  hangs  from  it,  and  against  the  trunk  of  the  tree 
leans  a  ladder.  It  is  the  moment  before  dawn,  and  slowly  at  the  back 
through  the  trees  is  seen  a  purple  streak,  which  changes  to  crimson 
as  the  sun  creeps  up.  A  dim  gray  haze  next  Jills  the  stage,  and 
through  this  gradually  breaks  the  rising  sun.  'The  birds  begin  to 
wake,  and  suddenly  there  is  heard  the  loud,  deep-toned,  single  toll  of 
a  bell,  followed  by  a  roll  of  muffled  drums  in  the  distance.  Slowly 
the  orchard  fills  with  murmuring,  whispering  people;  men  and 
women  coming  up  through  the  trees  make  a  semicircle  amongst  them, 
about  the  gallows  tree,  but  at  a  good  distance.  The  bell  tolls  at  in 
tervals,  and  muffled  drums  are  heard  between  the  twittering  and 
happy  songs  of  birds.  There  is  the  sound  of  musketry,  of  drums  beating 
a  funeral  march,  which  gets  nearer,  and  finally  a  company  of  British 
soldiers  marches  in,  led  by  Fitzroy,  Nathan  Hale  in  their  midst, 
walking  alone,  his  hands  tied  behind  his  back.  As  he  comes  forward 
the  people  are  absolutely  silent,  and  a  girl  in  the  front  row  of  the 
spectators  falls  forward  in  a  dead  faint.  She  is  quickly  carried  out 
by  two  bystanders.  Hale  is  led  to  the  foot  of  the  tree  before  the  lad 
der.  The  soldiers  are  in  double  lines  on  either  side. 

FITZROY. 

[To  Hale.]  Nathan  Hale,  have  you  anything  to  say  ?  We  are 
ready  to  hear  your  last  dying  speech  and  confession  !  [Hale  is 
standing,  looking  up,  his  lips  moving  slightly,  as  if  in  prayer.  He 
remains  in  this  position  a  moment,  and  then,  with  a  sigh  of  relief 
and  rest,  looks  upon  the  sympathetic  faces  of  the  people  about  him, 
with  almost  a  smile  on  his  face.~\ 

[99] 


N a  than    Ha  I  e 


HALE. 

I  only  regret  that  I  have  but  one  life  to  lose  for  my  country  ! 
[Fitzroy  makes  a  couple  of  steps  toward  him ;  Hale  turns  and  places 
one  foot  on  the  lower  rung  of  the  ladder^  as  the  Curtain  Fallsl\ 


[100] 


THIS  BOOK  IS  DUE  ON  THE  LAST  DATE 
STAMPED  BELOW 

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